OverviewWhat Is a Cold?

A cold begins when a virus attaches to the lining of your nose or throat.

What's Causing My Cold?

Cold viruses have a lot in common, but each type has its own style, too.

SymptomsIs It a Common Cold or Allergies?

It's a question that puzzles lots of folks when symptoms hit: Is all that coughing and sneezing from a cold or hay fever?

RisksWhat Puts You at Risk for the Common Cold?Children and Colds

Is your child sneezing, coughing, and complaining about a sore throat? Find out how to keep those cold symptoms in check.

Colds and Chronic Medical Conditions

If you have an ongoing medical condition, getting a cold can make your health problems worse.

Asthma and Colds

When you have asthma, any upper respiratory infection can affect your lungs, causing inflammation and airway narrowing.

Heart Disease and Colds

If you have heart disease, take extra care to avoid catching a cold. It can sometimes lead to complications.

HIV/AIDS and the Common Cold

When you have AIDS, your body may find it hard to fight off colds. Make sure you do what you can to avoid catching one.

Cough and Cold MedicinesCough and Cold Medicines

There's no cure for a cold, but lots of medicines can give you some relief from the coughing, sneezing, and stuffiness.

Decongestants & Antihistamines

Are you all stuffed up and sneezing away because of a cold? Decongestants and antihistamines can help.

Nasal Sprays for Cold Relief

When you're all stuffed up from a cold, you can get fast relief from a nasal spray.

A Guide to Cough Medicine

Got a cold and need something for a nagging cough? Some over-the-counter treatments may give you relief.

Get Relief From the Aches and Pains of a Cold

Some good choices for pain relief are acetaminophen or NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen.

Can Antibiotics Treat My Cold?

You've already tried OTC meds for your cold, and now it's time for something stronger. Can antibiotics do the trick?

Kids' Cold Medicines

Evidence indicates that children's cold medicines don't really help and may pose a small risk of side effects.

Home RemediesHome Remedies for Colds

Don't let that nasty cold get the best of you. Take charge with simple do-it-yourself treatments.

Echinacea for the Common Cold

Could an herbal remedy like echinacea save the day?

Vitamin C for the Common Cold

Despite its widespread use, experts say there's little proof that vitamin C actually has any effect on the common cold.

Zinc for Colds: Lozenges and Nasal Sprays

Zinc may lower the ability of cold viruses to grow on or bind to the lining of your nose.

Soothing Recipes for Colds

A well-nourished immune system, your body's defense against germs, is better able to ward off infections.

Exercise and the Common Cold

If you're looking for a safe way to prevent colds, regular exercise may be the ticket.

PreventionCommon Cold Prevention

If you want to craft a battle plan to prevent colds, just remember three simple words: Wash your hands!

6 Immune System Busters & Boosters

Your lifestyle can affect how well your immune system can protect you from germs, viruses, and chronic illness.

Keeping Catchy Infections Contained

Sickness spreads in many ways. You can breathe in germs when someone talks, coughs, or sneezes.

Common Cold: Too Sick to Work?

Take stock of your symptoms and see if they meet this commonsense standard for calling in sick.

ComplicationsComplications of the Common Cold

A cold might be something more than that if you’ve been sniffly for over a week, or if your symptoms are getting worse.

When Should I See a Doctor for a Cold or Flu?

When is it time to put down the chicken soup and get some advice from a pro?

When a Cold Becomes a Sinus Infection

It sounds and feels like a cold. But as time goes on, you start to wonder: Is it turning into a sinus infection?

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