20/08/2025
Colds
Colds are caused by viruses infecting your upper airways (nose, sinuses, mouth, throat and voice box). They are not caused by bacteria so antibiotics will not treat a cold. On average, adults suffer from 2 to 4 colds a year.
Symptoms of a cold
If you have a cold, you will have some or all of these symptoms:
runny or blocked nose
watery eyes
sneezing
itchy or sore throat
cough, often producing mucus (sputum or phlegm) and more annoying during the night and when you wake
hoarse voice.
Symptoms tend to peak after 2 to 3 days but the cough that comes with a cold can last for 3 to 4 weeks.
While your immune system is fighting the cold, any mucus you are coughing up may go from white or clear to yellow or pale green. This is normal. As long as it is just a small amount and you do not have any other chest symptoms, you do not need antibiotics.
You should see your healthcare provider if you:
have a rash (spots on your skin)
are short of breath (feel puffed), are breathing noisily or are coughing up a lot of green or blood-stained mucus
have dry coughing fits that make it hard to breathe
cannot keep food or drink down and do not pass much wee (urine)
have pain anywhere that is getting worse, despite taking paracetamol
have had a wet-sounding cough for 4 weeks or have had the cold for 4 weeks and you are not getting better.
