Hudson Health Center: Health Topics: Common Cold

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Health Topics: Common Cold
(Upper Respiratory Infection)

Common colds are passed from person to person by way of coughs and sneezes. Symptoms usually begin with:

sneezing
sore throat
dry cough
slight fever (below 101F)
clear mucous runny nose

These symptoms usually last 3-7 days. During these days you should take care of yourself by:

getting plenty of rest
drinking lots of fluids (hot or cold) - this helps break up accumulated secretions
taking Tylenol or Ibuprofen to relieve aches, pains and fever
gargling with warm salt water to soothe sore throat

Colds can be avoided by:

frequent hand washing
avoiding sharing drinks and food
plenty of rest
a well balanced diet
frequent exercise
taking Vitamin C - may increase resistance or decrease severity of symptoms

Getting help

You should come to Student Health Services at Hudson Health Center if you have:

a cough that is productive of yellow/green sputum and lasts longer than 10 days
a fever over 103F
very enlarged and tender glands of the neck
pain, tenderness, and/or swelling over facial sinus that worsens when bending over or changing head positions

Hudson Health Center
Athens, Ohio 45701
T: (740) 593-1660