Common cold: why antibiotics don't help

The common cold is a self-limiting viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Rhinovirus is the most common cause, but over 200 different viruses can trigger it. Too many patients ask for antibiotics, which don’t work on viruses and increase antibiotic resistance. There’s truth in the old medical saying: “If you treat a cold with medicine, it lasts a week. If you don’t, it lasts seven days.”

Symptoms by stage

• Stage 1, days 1–3: scratchy throat, sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, hoarseness.
• Stage 2, days 4–7: body aches, headache, watery eyes, runny nose, fatigue, low-grade fever.
• Stage 3, days 7–10: symptoms wind down, but the cough can linger for up to 2 months. If it lasts that long, see a doctor.

Children catch colds more often, because their immunity is still developing.

Treatment: supportive care only

• Rest and hydrate — drink plenty of water.
• Saline nasal spray for congestion.
• Cough drops or lozenges for throat irritation.
• Steam inhalation from a vaporiser if congested.
• Saline gargles for throat irritation.
• Lukewarm water helps soothe symptoms.

Prevention

• Wash your hands frequently with soap.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

Possible complications

While most colds resolve on their own, watch for:

• Ear infection: fluid build-up behind the eardrum.
• Asthma flare-ups: a cold can trigger wheezing.
• Sinusitis: facial pain from swollen sinuses.
• Bronchitis or pneumonia: if the infection spreads to the lower respiratory tract.

Bottom line

Antibiotics do not work for the common cold. Focus on rest, fluids and symptom relief. Building immunity through sleep, nutrition and exercise helps prevent frequent infections.