Hot Beverages
Herbal tea, warm water, or soup can be soothing and help you stay properly hydrated.
The Common Cold: Symptoms, Course, and What Can Help
A cold, also known as a flu-like infection, is a usually harmless infection of the upper respiratory tract. It often affects the nose, throat, and bronchi.
Common symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat, cough, hoarseness, fatigue, and sometimes a mild fever. A cold usually begins gradually and subsides after a few days.
What is a cold?
A cold is usually caused by viruses. The pathogens infect the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, and bronchi. The immune system responds with a defense reaction.
This leads to typical symptoms such as:
- Cold
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Hoarseness
- Sneezing
- Fatigue
- Limb pain
- A feeling of pressure in the head
- elevated temperature or mild fever
These symptoms may occur individually or in combination.
Cold or flu?
A cold usually develops gradually. It often starts with a scratchy throat, a runny nose, or sneezing. The symptoms are unpleasant, but often mild. In contrast, the flu often begins suddenly and with more severe symptoms. Typical symptoms include a high fever, severe headaches and body aches, extreme fatigue, and a distinct feeling of being ill. If you suspect you have the flu or are experiencing severe symptoms, you should seek medical advice.
Learn More About the FluWhat is the course of a cold?
The course of the disease varies from person to person. However, a typical pattern often emerges:
- A scratchy throat, fatigue, or chills
- Runny nose, sneezing, and a stuffy nose
- Sore throat or hoarseness
- Cough, dry at first, later sometimes with phlegm
- gradual improvement
After a few days, the symptoms usually subside. However, a cough may last longer, even if you’re already feeling better.
What helps with a cold?
Rest and Sleep
- The body needs energy for its immune response. Getting enough sleep and taking it easy help the body recover.
Drink enough
- Water and unsweetened teas help keep the mucous membranes moist. Warm drinks can be soothing for a scratchy throat and chills.
Caring for Mucous Membranes
- Dry mucous membranes are more sensitive. Regular ventilation, keeping indoor air from becoming too dry, and using saline nasal solutions can help.
Heat
- Warmth can be soothing when you're feeling chilly, have a sore throat, or are generally unwell. It's important not to put any additional strain on your body.
Avoid irritants
- Smoke, strong odors, dust, and very dry air can further irritate the nose, throat, and bronchial tubes.
Home Remedies for the Common Cold
Inhalation
Moist steam or a suitable saline solution can help moisturize dry mucous membranes. The water should not be too hot.
Nasal Irrigation
Nasal irrigation with an appropriate saline solution can moisturize the nasal mucosa and loosen secretions.
Honey
Honey can be soothing for a sore throat and a cough caused by a cold. Children under one year of age should not be given honey.
Keep your neck warm
A scarf or a warm neck wrap can provide relief from a scratchy throat.
Antibiotics for a Cold?
Colds are usually caused by viruses. Antibiotics do not work against viruses and are therefore generally not helpful for a common cold.
A medical evaluation is needed to determine whether a bacterial infection is present or if another treatment is necessary.
Herbal Remedies for the Common Cold
Red Coneflower
The red coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a well-known medicinal plant used to treat colds and support the body's immune system.
A.Vogel uses fresh flowering tops and fresh roots of the red coneflower.
To the Plant Encyclopedia: Red Coneflower
Black Elderberry
Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is traditionally associated with colds. The flowers and ripe fruits are the main parts used.
Related Products
Echinaforce® Hot Drink
Echinaforce® Hot Drink is made from fresh red echinacea and is used for the short-term treatment of acute colds.
Echinaforce® Tablets
Echinaforce® Tablets are made from fresh purple coneflower. They are used to boost the body's natural defenses in cases of susceptibility to colds, as well as during colds.
These are approved medications. Read the package insert.
Preventing Colds
You can't always prevent a cold. However, you can reduce your risk by:
- Washing your hands regularly
- Maintaining Distance from People Who Are Sick
- Ventilate rooms regularly
- get enough sleep
- Eat a balanced diet
- exercise regularly
- Keep the mucous membranes moist
- Reduce Stress
When should you seek medical advice?
A medical evaluation is recommended in the following cases:
- high or prolonged fever
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or a feeling of pressure in the chest
- severe illness
- Symptoms that are getting significantly worse
- Symptoms that last longer than expected
- Suspected flu
- recurrent severe infections
- existing heart, lung, or immune system conditions
- Symptoms in infants, older adults, or pregnant women
If you experience sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or symptoms that seem serious, seek medical help immediately.
In-Depth Topics
Boost Your Immune System
Everyday tips for sleep, nutrition, exercise, and mucous membranes.