How to treat a cold | NHS

Cold symptoms come on gradually and can include:
blocked or runny nose
sore throat
headaches
muscle aches
coughs
sneezing
a high temperature (more than 38C in adults, 37.5C in children)
pressure in your ears and face
loss of taste and smell
The symptoms are the same in adults and children. Sometimes, symptoms last longer in children.

A pharmacist can help with cold medicines
You can buy cough and cold medicines from pharmacies or supermarkets. A pharmacist can advise you on the best medicine.
You can:
relieve a blocked nose with decongestant sprays or tablets
ease aches or lower a temperature with painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen
Be careful not to use them if you’re taking paracetamol and ibuprofen tablets as it’s easy to take more than the recommended dose.
Some are not suitable for children, babies and pregnant women.
There’s little evidence that supplements (such as vitamin c, zinc, echinacea or garlic) prevent colds or speed up recovery.

For more information visit beta.nhs.uk/conditions/common-cold/