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The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that affects the nose and throat, causing mild to moderate symptoms that typically resolve on their own. Many people confuse the common cold with the flu. The common cold is caused by various viruses (most commonly rhinoviruses) and produces symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, and mild cough, whereas the flu is caused by influenza viruses and typically causes more severe symptoms including high fever, body aches, and extreme fatigue.
The common cold can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, mild cough, low-grade fever, and general fatigue.
Getting the right treatment plan for a cold can help relieve symptoms and speed up recovery so you can get back to feeling like yourself.
With LifeMD, you can get immediate help and treatment online without an in-office appointment. Prescription medications can help manage cold symptoms more effectively and provide faster relief from discomfort.
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Total Cholesterol
37 mg/mL
In range
LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)
47 mg/mL
In range
Triglycerides
158 mg/mL
Above range
Prescription-strength pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that works by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing swelling and congestion to help you breathe more easily. While lower doses are available over-the-counter, higher prescription strengths provide more effective relief for severe nasal congestion. It's typically taken every four to six hours as needed and can help relieve sinus pressure and stuffiness associated with colds.
Benzonatate is a non-narcotic cough suppressant that works by numbing the throat and lungs, reducing the urge to cough. It's particularly effective for persistent, dry coughs associated with the common cold and doesn't have the drowsiness or dependency risks associated with narcotic cough medications. It's usually taken three times daily and provides relief for several hours per dose.
Prescription-strength antihistamines like cetirizine or fexofenadine help dry up excess mucus and relieve runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes associated with colds. While these medications are also available over-the-counter at lower doses, prescription strengths can provide more effective symptom control. They work by blocking histamine, a substance your body produces during viral infections, and are typically taken once daily with minimal drowsiness.
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The common cold typically lasts seven to 10 days, though some symptoms may linger for up to two weeks. Symptoms usually peak around day three or four and then gradually improve. The first few days often bring a sore throat and runny nose, followed by nasal congestion and cough that may persist even after other symptoms have cleared.
If your cold symptoms last longer than two weeks, worsen after a week, or include high fever or severe symptoms, you should contact a healthcare provider as this could indicate a secondary infection or a different condition altogether.
Yes, the common cold is highly contagious. You can spread the virus through respiratory droplets when you cough, sneeze, or talk, and by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching your face. You're most contagious during the first two to three days of symptoms, but you can spread the virus from a day or two before symptoms appear until symptoms have mostly resolved.
To prevent spreading the cold, wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, avoid close contact with others, and disinfect commonly touched surfaces.
Online common cold treatments typically involve a virtual consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. During the consultation, you can discuss your symptoms, provide your medical history, describe when symptoms started and how severe they are, and explain what home remedies or over-the-counter medications you've already tried.
You'll then receive a personalized treatment plan based on your needs, with medication recommendations and any necessary prescriptions for symptom relief. Your healthcare provider may also recommend rest, hydration, and other supportive care measures to help you recover faster.
It's important to be open and honest during your consultation to help your healthcare provider determine the best treatment approach. Be sure to provide your doctor with detailed information, such as:
• Your symptoms and when they started
• Whether you have a fever, severe headache, or difficulty breathing
• Over-the-counter medications or home remedies you've tried
• Underlying health conditions, current medications, or any allergies
The more information you can provide, the better your doctor can assess whether you have a common cold or something more serious, and tailor a treatment plan to help you feel better faster.
LifeMD offers online common cold treatments and can provide you with the prescriptions you need. You can have these sent to your local pharmacy, where your medication will be prepared for pick-up.
No, antibiotics cannot treat the common cold. The common cold is caused by viruses, and antibiotics only work against bacterial infections. Taking antibiotics for a viral infection like a cold is ineffective and can contribute to antibiotic resistance, making bacteria harder to treat in the future.
When it comes to treating the common cold, symptom relief medications typically work within hours. Decongestants can help clear nasal congestion within 30 minutes to an hour, while cough suppressants usually provide relief within an hour or two. However, since the common cold is viral, medications treat symptoms rather than cure the infection itself.
Most people feel significantly better within three to five days with proper rest, hydration, and symptom management. If a secondary bacterial infection develops and antibiotics are prescribed, you should notice improvement within 48 to 72 hours of starting treatment.
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