Medical Treatment

Many people may see their doctor because they think antibiotics can treat a cold. Antibiotics kill bacteria by several mechanisms. Yet these same antibiotics have no effect on the tiny, simple virus.
Don’t expect your doctor to prescribe an antibiotic for a cold, even if you request one. Antibiotics won’t prevent bacterial infections developing from a cold, such as sinusitis or ear infections, even if taken "just in case."

Follow-up

  • If you have been diagnosed with a common cold and your symptoms are improving after several days, you need no immediate follow-up.
  • If your symptoms are not improving or are worsening, see your doctor.
  • You can exercise as normal if you feel up to it, especially if you think you just have a "head cold" with no chest congestion.
  • Get plenty of rest. Only your body's natural immune defenses can battle the common cold virus. Resting at home or in a lowstress environment will help keep the immune system strong. Neither rest nor exercise will shorten the length of your cold.

Prevention

  • Wash your hands frequently.
  • Avoid touching your nose and eyes.
  • Do not share utensils or towels at home.
  • Wear gloves during the winter cold season while in public places, such as public transportation.

Outlook

The common cold usually will go away in time. Americans get over 1 billion colds per year and rarely report complications.
Among the elderly and other groups of people with serious medical conditions, a cold may sometimes be a serious problem. Those people should see a doctor early during the course of a cold as a preventive measure.