There are several self care measures individuals can take if they have a cold: resting; staying warm; doing steam inhalation to relieve congestion; drinking plenty of fluids to avert dehydration; and eating a healthy, balanced diet.

There are many cold remedies available, but most contain one or both of the following:

• Simple analgesics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve achiness and fever
• Decongestants to relieve a blocked nose.

Other ingredients may also be included, such as guaifenesin for a chesty cough.

There are several other products that can help various symptoms:

• Vapour rubs to ease breathing
• Gargles and lozenges to relieve a sore throat
• Saline nasal drops or sprays to help relieve a blocked nose.

Complementary medicines (e.g. echinacea and supplements (e.g. vitamin C) show little evidence to help a cold. Antibiotics are not recommended for colds.

It is vital to check the age of the patient, as well as other factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding and other health conditions or medicines being taken, when anyone is buying cold products as there are lots of sales restrictions in place.

Remember!

Many cold remedies are combination products, containing more than one medicine. Be careful when recommending and advising on their use, checking that the patient won’t be taking too much of a single ingredient or drug class due to taking other prescribed and/or OTC medicines and not realising the potential for overdose.