THE HARD COLD FACTS

The common cold is a routine malady of life. Statistics show that the average adult will suffer through three each year. Colds occur throughout the year, but are most common in the late winter and early spring. The common cold is caused by any one of 200 viruses, which are particularly contagious because they mutate slightly every time they enter a new host. No medicine, including antibiotics, can cure a cold but there are several measures you can employ to help relieve your symptoms and to prevent complications.

SYMPTOMS Runny or stuffy nose- nasal discharge can be clear and thin to thicker and yellow Sore throat Cough- may produce small smounts or no sputum Low fever, less than 100 degrees Fatigue Watery eyes Loss of appetite Body ache Feeling of fullness in ears

HOME TREATMENTS Get extra rest Drink plenty of fluids- hot liquids like tea or soup can help relieve congestion Humidify your bedroom Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve body ache and sore throat (don't use aspirin if under 20 years old). Resting/Sleeping with head elevated on multiple pillows can decrease coughing Gargle with warm salt water to relieve sore throat

COLD MEDICATIONS: It is best to avoid cold remedies that combine drugs to treat multiple symptoms. Always read labels to determine the active ingredients and any side effects. If you are taking a prescription drug don't start a coold medication without sonsulting your doctor or pharmacist, and never mix alcohol with cold medication. The Student Health Service has cold medications that are available to students free of charge.

	Over-the-Counter Drugs	Symptoms Relieved	Side Effects and Cautions	Time of Maximal Benefits
Antihistamines	Benadryl, Tavist, Chlor-Trimeton	Sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes	Drowsiness, dry mouth, increased effects of alcohol	Early cold when sneezing and nasal secretions are thin, Nightime
Decongestants	Sudafed, Afrin, Neosynephrine	Congestion, Stuffiness	Insomnia, jitters, palpitations	When nose is stuffed up, Daytime
Cough Medicine	Robitussin DM	Lossens mucous to make cough more productive while reducing it's frequency	None	When mucous is thick and cough is persistent