What should I do if I catch a cold while preparing for pregnancy?

Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on May 01, 2025
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During the pre-pregnancy period, one should not indiscriminately take medications. If the symptoms of a cold are mild, try not to use medication and drink more warm water while resting. If the cold symptoms are severe, medications should be taken under the guidance of a doctor. A cold during the pre-pregnancy period could possibly be caused by exposure to cold due to very cold weather, wearing too little clothing, or eating too many cold and raw foods. During pre-pregnancy, it is crucial to keep warm to prevent diseases, frequently ventilate by opening windows, and wear a mask outdoors depending on the weather conditions.

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Written by An Yong Peng
Pulmonology
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Symptoms of the common cold

The common cold usually manifests with symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and coughing, often leading to a dry cough without significant phlegm. Additionally, the common cold may also accompany muscle aches, fatigue, and even headaches as general symptoms. Sometimes, patients with the common cold may also exhibit fever, though high fever is relatively rare. Regarding the common cold, the condition generally has a self-limiting nature, and symptomatic treatment usually leads to recovery. However, caution is still needed. Sometimes, the common cold can also coincide with pneumonia, although this is relatively rare. Close observation of the condition is necessary; if cold symptoms persist or are accompanied by high fever and purulent sputum, active investigation should be undertaken.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Where to massage for nasal congestion due to a cold to clear the airways?

For symptoms of nasal congestion due to a cold, you can relieve nasal breathing by massaging specific points such as the Yingxiang acupoints on both sides, the Zusanli, and the mandibular points, all of which have certain effects and therapeutic benefits. At the same time, it is important to maintain the cleanliness of indoor air, drink plenty of water, avoid exposure to dust, smoke, and other irritating chemicals, and eat more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C to promote the repair of tissue mucosa and relieve symptoms of nasal congestion. Measuring your body temperature twice a day can also help with the recovery from the illness.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Can you exercise when you have a cold?

After catching a cold, it is appropriate to engage in some mild exercise, such as walking or slow-paced walking. It is crucial not to partake in intense physical activities as they can lead to fatigue and a decrease in immunity, potentially worsening bacterial infections. Moreover, intense exercise can cause the sweat pores to expand, further aggravating cold symptoms. After a cold, the body tends to be weaker, so it is advisable to drink more ginger sugar water, rest adequately, and avoid spicy, greasy, and irritating foods. Drinking plenty of water is also important. If there are symptoms of fever, physical methods should be used to reduce the fever.

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Written by Yang Chun Guang
Gastroenterology
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Which department should I go to for a stomach flu?

Gastroenteritis is mostly caused by improper diet leading to infections, resulting in symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea. Therefore, for gastroenteritis, one should register with the gastroenterology department. However, if the gastrointestinal symptoms are caused by a cold, then one should register with the respiratory department. It depends on the sequence of symptoms: if gastrointestinal symptoms appear first, registration should be with gastroenterology; if cold symptoms appear first followed by gastrointestinal complications, a registration with the respiratory department is possible. Yet, for resolving gastrointestinal symptoms, it is advisable to consult with the gastroenterology department as it is more appropriate.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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Can you eat watermelon if you have a cold from catching a chill?

In clinical practice, there are cases of colds classified as "hot" or "cold" types. Even patients suffering from a "hot" type cold can experience nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and fever when they catch a chill. For some patients who catch a cold in summer due to being chilled, it is appropriate to eat some watermelon, as watermelon is a cooling fruit. It can somewhat relieve the heat for patients suffering from a "hot" type cold. Therefore, for patients experiencing nasal congestion, sore throat, or even coughing due to a "hot" type cold, eating watermelon can help adjust and soothe, although it is not recommended to eat frozen watermelon.