Quick Relief for the Common Cold

Have you ever planned a busy day only to be surprised by a cold with a runny nose and annoying fatigue? Fortunately, there are quick ways to ease the symptoms and regain your energy in a short time. Keep reading this article to learn more about the common cold, how to relieve it quickly, and when to see a doctor.

What Is the Common Cold and Its Symptoms?

The common cold, also known as a “viral upper respiratory tract infection,” affects the nose, throat, sinuses, and windpipe. It is one of the most widespread illnesses: adults may catch it two to three times a year, while children may experience it four times or more. Rhinoviruses are the most common culprits among more than 200 viruses that can cause a cold.

When Do Symptoms Start?

Cold symptoms usually appear one to three days after exposure to the virus, and they progress in stages:

Early stage (days 1–3): Tickling or sore throat, frequent sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, hoarseness, mild cough.
Active stage (days 4–7): Symptoms become more noticeable, including headache, mild body aches, fatigue, watery eyes, and a slight fever (especially in children).
Late stage (days 8–10): Symptoms gradually subside, though coughing or nasal congestion may persist. Cough can sometimes last longer even after the infection clears.

Note:

Nasal mucus may start clear, then become thicker and turn yellow or green. This is normal and does not necessarily indicate a bacterial infection.
In infants, symptoms may include loss of appetite, increased drooling due to difficulty swallowing, irritability and persistent crying, and slight swelling of the glands.

Home Remedies for Quick Cold Relief

When you catch a cold, it’s not always necessary to stop all symptoms immediately. Some are part of the body’s natural defense against viruses—for example:

Mild fever helps kill viruses.
Cough helps expel mucus and germs from the airways.
Nasal congestion increases blood flow to the affected area to fight off viruses.

So, here are some easy steps that can help you quickly relieve a cold at home and ease the symptoms:

Blow your nose gently: It’s recommended to blow one nostril at a time while keeping the other closed to avoid pushing mucus into the ear.
Nasal rinse with warm saline solution: Prepared from salt and baking soda mixed with sterilized water, used two to three times daily to cleanse the sinuses.
Rest and stay warm: Get enough sleep and avoid stress to boost natural immunity.
Gargle with salt water: Helps soothe a sore throat and improve comfort.
Drink plenty of warm fluids: Such as tea and chicken soup to relieve congestion and keep the throat hydrated.
Steam inhalation: Take a steam shower or use a humidifier to moisten airways and ease congestion.
Apply an external ointment under the nose: Containing menthol or camphor to open airways and soothe skin irritation.
Warm or cold compresses on the sinuses: To reduce congestion.
Sleep with your head elevated: Using an extra pillow or placing one under the mattress to help mucus drain more easily.
Avoid air travel if possible: To minimize ear and sinus problems; if travel is necessary, use a decongestant and chew gum or swallow frequently.

By following these measures, you can safely and effectively treat a cold at home.

Treating a Cold Quickly in Children

It’s important to know that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines are unsafe for children under six years old, as they may cause serious — even life-threatening — side effects. In case of fever, a doctor may recommend paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen in doses appropriate for the child’s age and weight. Always consult a doctor and follow instructions carefully.

In addition to prescribed medicines, several simple home remedies can help relieve symptoms and speed up recovery in children:

Ensure the child gets enough rest and sleep.
Encourage plenty of fluid intake to keep the body hydrated.
Use a clean humidifier or a cool-mist vaporizer.
Apply saline sprays or drops to relieve nasal congestion.
For infants, use a rubber suction bulb to gently remove mucus.
Expose the child to steam, either by carefully inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water or sitting with them in a steamy bathroom.
For older children, throat lozenges or cough drops may be used (not recommended for children under four years).
Give honey to relieve cough in children aged one year and older — never give honey to infants under one year due to the risk of botulism.

Treating Flu and Cold Quickly

Influenza is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system, causing symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, sore throat, and cough. It often spreads in winter and can be more severe than the common cold.

Difference Between Influenza and the Common Cold

Many people confuse influenza with the common cold due to similar symptoms like runny nose and cough. However, the cold is usually mild and goes away within a few days, while influenza can be more intense and sometimes cause serious complications. Moreover, the viruses that cause them are different.

Fast flu treatment

Doctors may prescribe antiviral medications within the first 48 hours to reduce the severity of the illness and speed up recovery, especially for people with chronic diseases or those at risk of complications.

Here are some effective medications for treating influenza and cold symptoms quickly:

Oseltamivir 75 mg (Tamiflu)

Oseltamivir 75 - An antiviral used for the treatment and prevention of influenza (types A and B).
Helps shorten the duration of illness and reduce the severity of symptoms if started within the first 48 hours.
Usual dosage: one capsule (75 mg) twice daily for 5 days for treatment, or once daily for prevention after exposure.
Not effective for the common cold.

Prof Cold & Flu

Prof Cold & Flu - A combination medicine to relieve symptoms of cold and flu such as headache, fever, nasal congestion, sneezing, and body aches.
Contains: Ibuprofen (pain reliever and fever reducer), Pseudoephedrine (decongestant), Chlorpheniramine (antihistamine).
Usual dosage: one capsule every 8 hours (or as prescribed by a doctor).
Does not treat the virus itself but only helps relieve symptoms.

Always consult a doctor before taking any antiviral medication.

Treatment of Nasal Congestion Caused by Cold

The treatment of nasal congestion depends on its underlying cause—whether due to a cold, allergies, or non-allergic rhinitis. The main goal is to reduce inflammation, clear mucus, and ease discomfort.

Common medical treatments include:

Saline rinses or sprays to moisturize the nose and help dissolve and remove mucus.
Antihistamines to reduce the body’s response to allergens.
Corticosteroid nasal sprays to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
Anticholinergic sprays such as ipratropium to reduce persistent runny nose.

Decongestant sprays to open nasal passages (should not be used for more than 3 days to avoid rebound congestion).

Treating Colds with Herbs and Natural Remedies

When you start feeling early signs of a cold, try these natural remedies that may ease symptoms and speed up recovery:

Beneficial Foods During Illness

Bananas and rice: soothe the stomach and help relieve diarrhea.
Carrots: rich in beta-carotene, strengthen the immune system.
Red bell pepper: high in vitamin C, essential for immunity.
Chili peppers: help open sinuses and reduce mucus congestion.
Blueberries: contain natural compounds that lower fever, ease pain, and help control diarrhea.
Cranberries: prevent bacteria from sticking to urinary tract walls, reducing secondary infections.
Mustard and horseradish: help open airways and improve breathing.
Onions: contain infection-fighting compounds.
Black and green tea: contain antibacterial agents and may relieve diarrhea.
Warm soups (e.g., chicken soup): provide fluids and warmth, reduce inflammation, and ease breathing.
Honey: soothes the throat and reduces cough (safe for adults and children over one year old).

Herbs and Supplements

Vitamin C: does not prevent colds but may reduce symptom severity when taken regularly (200 mg daily).
Zinc: may shorten the duration of colds if taken early, especially in lozenge form.
Echinacea: may reduce symptoms by 10–30% according to some studies, though results are not conclusive.
Elderberry: preliminary studies suggest it may cut flu duration in half.
Garlic, ginseng, and andrographis: believed to support immunity and lower infection risk when taken early.
Probiotics (such as yogurt, kimchi, kombucha): support gut and immune health, may shorten colds by about 2 days when used regularly.

Avoid irritants such as smoking, alcohol, and excess caffeine, as they weaken immunity and delay recovery.

Best Medical Treatments for the Common Cold

A pharmacist can guide you in choosing the right medications to relieve cold symptoms, as there are many options available without a prescription, including:

Pain relievers and fever reducers

Panadol Cold & Flu Day – 24 Capsules

Relieves daytime cold symptoms such as headache, nasal congestion, body aches, and fever without causing drowsiness. It contains paracetamol, caffeine, and a decongestant.

Panadol Cold & Flu Sinus – 24 Capsules

An effective formula that helps relieve nasal congestion and sinus discharge, in addition to reducing headache and sinus pressure. Suitable for cases with sinus pain.

Brufen 600 mg – 30 Tablets

Brufen 600 - A strong pain reliever, fever reducer, and anti-inflammatory that eases body aches and headaches associated with colds and flu.

Panadol Cold & Flu Inhalation Sachets – 10 Sachets

Used for steam inhalation to open airways and ease nasal congestion, making breathing easier during a cold.

Nasal decongestants

Decozal 1% Nasal Drops

Decozal 1% Nasal Drops - Contains xylometazoline, quickly relieves nasal congestion, and facilitates breathing. It should only be used for a short period (no more than 5 days) to treat nasal blockage due to colds or sinusitis.

Otrivin Nasal Drops 10 ml

Otrivin Nasal Drops - One of the most popular decongestants, containing xylometazoline. Provides quick relief from nasal congestion caused by colds or allergies. Should not be used for more than 5 consecutive days to avoid dependency or irritation.

Otosan Fort Nasal Spray 30 ml

Otosan Fort Nasal Spray - A natural spray made with purified seawater and herbal extracts such as aloe vera and lemon oil. Helps cleanse and moisturize the nose, gently reducing inflammation and congestion. Can be used longer compared to medicinal decongestants.

Important Warnings When Taking Cold Medications

Avoid combining multiple cold medicines that contain the same active ingredients (such as paracetamol or ibuprofen) to prevent overdose.
Some cold and cough medications are not suitable for young children or pregnant women—consult your doctor or pharmacist before use.
Do not use nasal decongestants in children under 6 years old, and avoid using them for more than a week as they may worsen symptoms.

Tips to Boost Immunity and Prevent Colds

Although there is no vaccine for the common cold, you can reduce your risk by following simple measures:

Wash hands regularly: Wash with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially before eating and after sneezing, coughing, or using the restroom. If unavailable, use a sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your face: Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands to prevent viral entry.
Disinfect surfaces: Regularly clean doorknobs, light switches, phones, and children’s toys, as viruses can survive on surfaces for hours.
Use tissues when sneezing or coughing: Sneeze or cough into a tissue, dispose of it immediately, and wash your hands. If unavailable, use your elbow.
Avoid sharing personal items: Do not share cups, dishes, or towels with others.
Keep distance from sick people: Minimize close contact with those who have a cold and avoid crowded places when possible.
Boost immunity: Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

Cold Prevention in Children

Keep your child away from sick individuals and clean their toys regularly.
Teach your child proper handwashing after coughing, sneezing, or contact with others.
Make sure they are up to date with all essential vaccinations, including the annual flu shot starting at 6 months old.

When to See a Doctor for a Cold?

While a cold usually resolves within 1–2 weeks, certain situations require medical attention:

In adults

Fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F) lasting more than 3 days, or returning after subsiding.
Symptoms that worsen or do not improve after 10 days.
Shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest pain.
Severe sore throat, strong headache, or sinus pain.
Persistent cough lasting more than 3 weeks.
Cold accompanied by chronic diseases (such as diabetes, heart, kidney, or lung conditions) or weakened immunity.

In children

Fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher in infants up to 12 weeks.
Fever lasting more than 2 days at any age.
Difficulty breathing or noticeable wheezing.
Ear pain, severe headache, or strong sore throat.
Unusual drowsiness, lethargy, or refusal to eat.
Any concern about severe symptoms or if the child is not improving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Quick Cold Relief

Can I get rid of a cold in one day?

Complete recovery in one day is not possible, as the cold is a viral infection that needs time. However, you can ease symptoms by:

Taking mild pain relievers.
Drinking warm fluids.
Getting plenty of rest.
Inhaling steam or using a saline nasal spray.
Using honey or gargling with salt water to soothe the throat.

These steps can help you feel better and speed up recovery.

How long does a cold last?

The common cold usually lasts 7–10 days. Some symptoms, such as cough or nasal congestion, may persist up to 2 weeks, but most people recover within about a week.