When you have a cold, you may have a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, a cough, a sore throat, and a low fever. Viruses cause colds. Antibiotics don't work against viruses, so they can't treat colds. An antibiotic will not make you feel better, help you get better faster, or prevent the spread of a cold. 

It takes 1–2 weeks for a cold to go away. There are things you can do to feel more comfortable while you get better.

• Be sure to drink plenty of liquids. Warm liquids (such as chicken broth or herbal tea) can be soothing.
• To help with a runny or stuffy nose:
  • Run a cool-mist humidifier. Be sure to clean it after each use.
  • Use 2 sprays of saline (saltwater) nose spray 3 times a day for 4 to 5 days.
• If the skin under your nose is sore, put petroleum jelly (Vaseline® or a store brand) on it.
• Try a hard candy or throat lozenge to help ease throat pain and coughing. 
• Do not take antihistamines (such as Benadryl® or a store brand). Antihistamines do not treat colds.
• If you have a fever, you can take acetaminophen (such as Tylenol® or a store brand) OR ibuprofen (such as Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand). When taking these medicines:
  • Take the exact dose as recommended by your health care provider.
  • Do not take acetaminophen more than 4 times in a 24-hour period.
• Do not take aspirin. It could lead to serious medical problems. 
• Talk to your health care provider before you take any supplements.

You:

• have a fever that lasts for more than 3–4 days
• think you are dehydrated; signs include a dry mouth or peeing less often 
• have ear pain or fluid coming out of the ear
• have a runny or stuffy nose for 2 weeks or longer
• have a bad cough or chest pain
• are getting sicker

• You are having trouble breathing or are breathing fast.

How do colds spread to others? Colds can spread when:

• A person with a cold coughs and/or sneezes the virus into the air, and someone else breathes it in.
• A virus gets in the eyes, nose, or mouth. This can happen by touching someone who has a cold, or by touching a hard surface (like a doorknob) that has the virus on it, and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.

How can I avoid getting colds? To protect yourself, your family, and others from colds:

• Wash your hands well and often using soap and water. Scrub for at least 20 seconds, then rinse and dry thoroughly. This is important after coughing or sneezing, and before and after eating. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and getting the rest you need can help your immune system fight colds and other infections.