Colds: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Colds

The common cold, a viral infection of your nose and throat, is an everyday occurrence that affects us all. While often mistaken as something to be feared, it's primarily an inconvenience and rarely serious. Here, we offer insights on the common cold, ensuring our valued clientele are well-informed about its causes, symptoms, and various treatment options.

Recommended Actions

Recover from a fever by getting ample rest and staying hydrated, consider using a fever reducer like ibuprofen or acetaminophen if needed, and ensure comfort by wearing light clothing and maintaining a cool environment.

Recommended Avoidances

Avoid exposure to contagious diseases, excessive heat, and strenuous exercise when you have a fever.

Prevention Tips

Good hygiene and vaccinations are key preventive measures against fevers.

Condition 101

A fever is a temporary increase in your body temperature, often due to an illness. Having a fever is a sign that something out of the ordinary is occurring in your body. The body's natural response to infection, inflammation, or other maladies, a fever can help your body fight illness by stimulating the immune system.

Runny or blocked nose
Sneezing
Sore throat
Cough
Mild headache
Fatigue
Fever can be caused by various factors, including:

Viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections
Heat exhaustion
Certain inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
Some types of cancer
Certain medications
Severe trauma or injury
Individuals with weakened immune systems, chronic illnesses, or those undergoing certain medical treatments are at a higher risk for fever.
Seek immediate medical attention if any of these conditions apply:

A fever of 103 F (39.4 C) or higher in adults
Fevers lasting more than seven days
Severe headache, neck stiffness, skin rash, sensitivity to bright light, mental confusion
Persistent vomiting, trouble breathing, severe abdominal pain, pain or discomfort during urination
Any other unexplained symptoms along with the fever

A detailed diagnosis for fever typically involves a comprehensive medical history and physical examination. Your doctor may also recommend additional diagnostic tests such as:

Blood tests
Urine tests
Imaging studies, such as X-rays or CT scans
Lumbar puncture (only in severe cases)
Persistent high fever can lead to severe dehydration, hallucinations, confusion, seizures, and even life-threatening situations.
A common misconception is that teething causes fever in babies; however, teething only mildly increases body temperature.
Diseases such as influenza, meningitis, pneumonia, and COVID-19 could be considered during the differential diagnosis due to their similar symptoms.

CONTACT US

Treatment Options

Need more information about Colds, contact us for more help on treatment or advise.

Over-the-counter treatments for fever include paracetamol, ibuprofen, and aspirin (only for individuals over 16 years of age).

A doctor may prescribe stronger fever-reducing medications, and if the fever is due to an infection, antibiotics or antivirals may be given.

Call Now

Visit us

Our Boutique Pharmacies

Knightsbridge Branch

Mon-Sat: 10:00 - 01:00
Sun: 11:00 - 01:00

40 Knightsbridge
London
SW1X 7JN

Directions

Call Branch

Marble Arch Branch

Mon-Sat: 10:00 - 00:00
Sun: 11:00 - 00:00

99 Edgware Road
London
W2 2HX

Directions

Call Branch

Edgware Road Branch

Mon-Sat: 09:00 - 01:00
Sun: 10:00 - 01:00

160 Edgware Road
London
W2 2DS

Directions

Call Branch

Kensington Branch

Mon-Sat: 10:00 - 01:00
Sun: 11:00 - 01:00

19 High Street Kensington
London
W8 5NP

Directions

Call Branch

Cart0 items