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It's "COLD" Season Again...Do You Have to See Your Doctor for that?

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Published: 31Oct2006
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The cold season has arrived once again and patients are streaming into their doctor's offices and urgent care centers. But do they really need to do that?

There is no curative treatment known for the common cold. There are numerous serologic types of rhinoviruses and adenoviruses, two of the most common viruses that cause colds. Patients continue to be susceptible because there are so many different serotypes of the viruses and new strains evolve everyday. That is why there are no vaccinations against colds; because the viruses are ever changing.

Headache, nasal congestion, watery eyes, scratchy throat and general malaise herald a common cold. There is a common misperception that antibiotics are helpful, but they are not. Supportive measures such as taking Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen and an over-the-counter decongestant may provide some relief. The best treatment is plenty of rest, frequent fluids, and mom's chicken soup.

Over the counter nasal sprays which contain phenylephrine or oxymetazoline are rapidly effective, but they should not be used for more than three days at a time since using them longer than that leads to "rebound congestion" which is often worse than the original symptoms.

Secondary bacterial infections may occur such as bacterial sinusitis or bronchitis suggested by the presence of symptoms beyond a week's time accompanied by thick green to yellow nasal discharge or phlegm production and facial pressure or pain. A persistant cough accompanied by a fever and/or chest pain indicates a possible bronchitis or more serious pneumonia. Any prolonged symptoms associated with cough and fever should be evaluated by your doctor.

Most cases of the common cold, however, resolve within 7-10 days time without any specific treatment required. Some people swear by the use of Echinacea or Zinc supplements when symptoms begin, but there has not been any substantial studies to determine their effectiveness.

The flu (influenza) is another story. Symptoms associated with the flu include fever, sweats, body and muscle aches, the feeling that your skin is crawling, congestion, cough, and the feeling that your just "got hit by a truck." You can get a flu shot in the fall that will improve your odds against catching the flu; but it is not 100% iron clad insurance that will not get it like some people believe. There IS treatment for influenza if you get into your doctor early enough. There is medication which can lessen the symptoms of the flu and perhaps shorten the course of it, but you have to get started with the medicine early in the course of the illness.

The best thing to do during the cold and flu season is to remain healthy with frequent hand washing, plenty of rest, and avoiding situations that greatly enhance your chances of catching that cold; like sitting in a waiting room with a gathering of sick people.

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