Signs and Symptoms
The common cold is a virus that is spread through contact with droplets of infected fluids. Common modes of transmission include sneezing and coughing and by touching surfaces that have come into contact with the virus.
Signs and symptoms of a typical cold include:
- Runny nose/nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Coughing (usually mild)
- Sore throat (sometimes)
- Fever (usually mild)
Many of the symptoms of a cold are similar to the symptoms of influenza, with some notable distinctions:
Is it a Cold, is it the Flu?
| Symptom |
Influenza |
Common Cold |
| Fever |
Usual high fever (102 - 104˚F or 38-41˚C)
Sudden onset, lasting several days
|
Rare |
| Headache |
Usual – may be severe |
Rare |
| Chest discomfort, Cough |
Usual – may be severe |
Sometimes - mild to moderate |
Sore throat
|
Common |
Common
|
Aches and pains
|
Usual - may be severe
|
Sometimes - mild
|
Fatigue and weakness
|
Usual - may be severe, lasting
|
Sometimes - mild
|
Runny, stuffy nose
|
Common
|
Common
|
Sneezing
|
Sometimes
|
Common
|
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
|
Sometimes
|
Very rare
|
Adapted from: Canadian Coalition for Immunization Awareness and Promotion; Public Health Agency of Canada
Finding Relief from Cough and Cold Symptoms
While there is no “cure” for the common cold, there are many things you can do to provide some relief from the symptoms.
Be aware that certain over-the-counter cough and cold treatments are now labelled “not for use in children under 6.” Be sure to read the label of any cough and cold product before you consider giving it to your child.
The group of products not to be given to children under 6 includes:
-
Antihistamines (help with symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, runny nose)
- Antitussives (for cough)
- Decongestants
- Expectorants (to loosen mucus)
- It is best to speak with a Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacist for advice on product selection to manage cough and cold in children.
The following are some ideas for symptom management:
| Symptom |
Age
|
Product/Remedy
|
Notes
|
Aches, pain, fever, headache
|
All ages
|
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
|
Do not use products containing aspirin (ASA) in people under age 19 due to a possible link to Reye’s Syndrome. Pay close attention to product labelling and dosing instructions. Use infant and child formulations accordingly. |
Sore throat
|
Ages 6 and up
|
Throat lozenges, Popsicles®, warm saltwater gargle, pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) |
Children should be supervised while using throat lozenges |
| Cough |
Ages 12 and up |
Cough suppressants (“antitussives”) can soothe coughs; expectorants loosen mucus and can make the cough more productive |
People with a “wet” cough (or one producing mucus that is coughed up) should not use cough suppressants |
| Congestion |
Ages 12 and up
|
Medicated nasal decongestant (spray, drops, pills) |
Not to be used for more than 2-3 days; not to be used by children. Should not be used by people with certain health conditions (diabetes, heart disease, breast-feeding women) |
|
All ages
|
Warm- or cool-mist humidifier; saline solution nasal drops/spray; nasal breathing strips; warm broth or fluids
|
Cool-mist is best for children as it is safer
|
Treatment Selection
Shoppers Drug Mart has a complete line of over-the-counter products to treat cold and flu symptoms.
Consult the chart below and make note of your symptoms and the corresponding recommended class of products and examples for each.
You may require more than one product to deal with your symptoms. Not all available products are listed on the chart.
Be prepared. Be sure that you have these products at home so that you may begin to relieve your cold and/or flu symptoms as soon as they begin.
When choosing an over-the-counter medication it is always important to consider all other medications, natural health products and vitamins you may be taking. Consult your Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacist. Our Pharmacists will check for potential interactions with anything you may be taking, and can help choose the best medication suited to your symptoms.
Over-the-Counter Treatment Options for Cold and Flu Symptoms
| Symptom |
Class of Product that Treats Symptom
|
| Fever, aches, chills, pain |
NSAIDs/Acetaminophen/Aspirin (ASA) |
| Stuffy nose, sinus congestion |
Decongestant |
| Stuffy nose, itchy watery eyes, sneezing |
Antihistamine |
| Dry cough |
Cough suppressant |
| Chest cough |
Expectorant |
| Sore throat |
Non-prescription lozenges |
To search for cold and flu products based on your symptom, please visit our Cold and Flu Product Finder.
Note: Your doctor may recommend that you take a prescription medication to treat the flu.
