How to treat a cold and fever?

Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
Updated on January 14, 2025
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Patients with the common cold can experience fever, and accompanying symptoms such as chills and headaches. So how should a fever from a cold be treated? First, consider the severity of the fever. If it's a mild fever, antipyretics are generally not needed; rest, avoiding cold exposure, and drinking plenty of water are recommended. If the temperature exceeds 38 degrees Celsius and there is significant discomfort, antipyretic medications can be used, commonly antipyretic analgesics. Besides medication, physical cooling methods like sponge baths or applying ice packs can also be employed. If sweating occurs during the fever, it's important to dry off with a clean towel promptly and change any sweat-soaked underwear to avoid getting chilled again, which can impede recovery from the cold.

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What should I do if I have a slight cold?

If you experience some symptoms of a cold, you shouldn't worry too much about it. A common cold usually heals on its own in about seven days, and it tends to resolve naturally. However, if you experience a cold accompanied by headaches, fever, coughing, phlegm, or sore throat, this could be more serious and might be due to a viral or bacterial infection. In such cases, under the guidance of a doctor, you can take appropriate anti-inflammatory or antiviral medications. It's also important to stay hydrated to boost metabolism and enhance the body’s immunity. Make sure to keep warm and avoid exposure to cold drafts. During a cold, avoid smoking and alcohol and cooperate actively with medical treatment. Additionally, maintaining a positive mood is crucial as stress can adversely affect recovery from illness.

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Symptoms of colds caused by wind-cold

The symptoms of a cold caused by wind-cold primarily include feeling chills, headache, and respiratory symptoms such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, coughing, and sneezing. Additionally, symptoms like dry mouth and reluctance to drink water may appear. It is advised to keep warm regularly to avoid catching a cold. In terms of diet, it is best to avoid spicy and irritating foods, and it is recommended to consume more fresh fruits and vegetables. Drinking more plain water can effectively alleviate symptoms. If the condition is severe, it is best to go to a formal hospital and receive treatment according to the doctor's guidance.

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What should I do if I catch a cold during the postpartum confinement period?

If a pregnant woman catches a cold and it is not very severe, conservative treatment can be considered. On one hand, medication can be taken under the guidance of an obstetrician. On the other hand, during the early stages of a cold, one can drink more water and keep warm. Maintain good air circulation indoors. If symptoms are severe, oral administration of medicines such as Xiao Chai Hu Granules and Bai Lan Gen Granules can help alleviate the condition. In terms of diet, it should be light and easy to digest. Avoid crowded public places, wear masks when going out, and reduce contact with people who have colds to cut off the source of infection. Once a pregnant woman catches a cold, it is crucial to rest. Do not overwork, drink plenty of water, and avoid certain foods. Seek medical attention in a timely manner and follow the doctor's instructions for medication, without self-medicating.

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How many days until one can eat after a stomach flu?

Patients with gastrointestinal colds can continue to eat if they are able to do so without skipping meals. Therefore, it is not necessary to wait until the cold is over before eating. Additionally, consuming nutritious foods can aid significantly in the recovery from a gastrointestinal cold. It is advisable to eat soft, easily digestible foods, such as vegetable soup, noodle soup, and rice soup. Increase vegetable intake and stay hydrated. Avoid raw, cold, and spicy, irritating foods. It is important to rest and actively use medication for treatment.

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How to distinguish between viral cold and bacterial cold

The majority of colds are caused by viral infections, with only a very small portion caused by bacterial infections, or accompanied by bacterial infections. The distinction between viral and bacterial colds is primarily made from the following two aspects: First, in terms of clinical symptoms, those caused by viral colds are mostly short-lived, usually healing quickly within about a week, while the clinical symptoms caused by bacterial colds tend to persist longer, often exceeding a week. Secondly, in terms of blood work, viral colds mostly show normal results, or a lower white blood cell count; whereas bacterial colds often exhibit an increased white blood cell count, or an increased proportion of neutrophils.