How Does It Spread?

• Through droplets when a sick person coughs or sneezes
• By touching contaminated objects or surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
• Close contact in schools, childcare centers, buses, and markets

Symptoms

Colds usually start 1–3 days after exposure and get better in 1–2 weeks.
Common symptoms include:

• Runny or blocked nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Headache
• Feeling weak or unwell
• Muscle aches
• Mild fever (can be higher in children)
• Earache or mild eye irritation
• Loss of taste or smell (sometimes)

Self-Care at Home

Most colds get better on their own. You can:

• Rest and drink plenty of clean fluids (water, teas, soups)
• Wash hands regularly with soap and water (20 seconds) or use sanitizer
• Use a clean cloth or tissue to cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing
• Gargle warm salt water (do not swallow) to soothe sore throat
• Steam inhalation, warm baths, or humid air may ease congestion
• Prop yourself up with pillows at night to breathe more easily
• Use throat lozenges or sprays for sore throat relief
• Over-the-counter remedies (paracetamol for fever, nasal decongestants) may help — ask your pharmacist
• Home remedies like vitamin C, zinc, or ginger may provide comfort

⚠️ Do not use antibiotics – they do not work against viruses.
⚠️ Do not give aspirin to children – it can be dangerous.
⚠️ Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke – they make symptoms worse.

🩺 When to See a doctor

Go to a clinic or hospital if you or your child has:

✅ Breathing problems – fast, noisy, or difficult breathing
✅ Chest pain or tightness
✅ High fever that does not go down
✅ Severe sore throat or pain when swallowing
✅ Cold lasting more than 2–3 weeks without improvement
✅ Worsening symptoms instead of getting better
✅ Ear pain or ear discharge
✅ Blood in phlegm (mucus)
✅ Confusion, dizziness, or fainting
✅ If you have a chronic illness (like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes) and the cold makes it worse

👉 Important:
Most colds are mild and get better on their own. But if you notice any of these warning signs, seek medical care immediately.

Prevention

• Wash hands often with soap and water
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Keep homes and classrooms well ventilated
• Avoid sharing utensils or cups
• Stay up to date with recommended vaccinations (e.g., flu vaccine helps prevent flu, not colds)
• Eat healthy foods, sleep well, and manage stress
• Stay away from smoke and dusty environments
• Teach children to cough or sneeze into a tissue or elbow