The Cold Hard Cough Facts

The common cold and cough affects millions of people each year.¹ Here are the facts about cough and cold that you need to know:

• There is no cure for the common cold,² but colds can be prevented by carefully avoiding contact with cold sufferers and by remembering to frequently wash your hands.³ Preparation and diligence are the keys to prevention.
• Symptoms of an influenza or "flu" virus infection may be similar to a cold but are usually more severe. Flu symptoms may include a high fever and severe muscle aches. Both the common cold and the "flu"are caused by viruses, not bacteria.⁴
• Common symptoms of a cold are sore throat, cough, runny nose, nasal and/or sinus congestion, chills, headache, and a feeling of tiredness.⁵ When you have a cold, cough is not usually the first symptom you notice, but it is often considered the most annoying symptom of a cold.⁶
• Up to 50% of people suffering from a cold will have a cough.^6-7 For most, their cough will last at least 1 week.⁸
• About half of people with a cold and cough will choose to self-treat the symptoms, and a smaller number (25%) will look for help from a healthcare provider.^7,9-10
• Sometimes it’s hard to decide what medication will help with the different symptoms. Here are the basic facts about cold and cough medications:
  • A decongestant can relieve nasal or sinus congestion.²
  • An antihistamine can help with your runny nose and watery, itchy eyes.²
  • If you have a dry cough or a cough with small amounts of clear or white mucus (phlegm), an antitussive medication can help.^7,11
  • If you have thick, stubborn phlegm that is hard to cough up, an expectorant can help.^7,11
• Antibiotics treat bacterial infections and will not treat the common cold. Because colds are caused by viruses (not bacteria), antibiotics will not help.²
• You should contact your healthcare provider if your cough continues for more than 7 days or if your symptoms include a high fever, swollen glands, severe sinus pain, or a cough with excessive mucus. These may be signs of a more serious illness.⁵