Medical Edge Newspaper Column

Preventing Colds

September 30, 2007
Dear Mayo Clinic:
Can I do anything to prevent a cold?

Answer:
When temperatures dip, most people spend more time indoors and, as a result, increase their chances of close contact with someone who has a cold. Contact with shared objects such as doorknobs, computer keyboards or telephones can spread infection. If you touch your mouth, nose or eyes after such exposure, you can acquire a cold. The lesson: Wash your hands often and thoroughly.

If you come down with a cold, there's no cure, and symptoms will last for about a week. But here's what you can do to take care of yourself: Drink plenty of liquids to improve congestion and prevent dehydration.

Use a cool mist humidifier, lean over a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head, or breathe in steamy air created by a bathroom shower to ease congestion. Take pain relievers to reduce fever and headaches. Acetaminophen will reduce a fever and ease sore throat pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) — including aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen — also are an option but can cause stomach upset.

Ease stuffiness with decongestants by mouth, saline nose drops or nasal sprays. Decongestant spray or drops should not be used more than two or three days, as stated on the packaging because of the rebound congestion that occurs when the medication wears off. If you have high blood pressure, kidney disease, glaucoma, thyroid problems or diabetes, talk with your doctor before taking a decongestant.

If your symptoms seem severe and more flu-like — high fever, body aches and loss of appetite — see your doctor. Prescription antiviral drugs may reduce the severity and duration of influenza infection, but only if taken within the first 48 hours after the onset of symptoms.

— Lori Bates, M.D., Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.