What should I do if I have a cold and fever but no medicine?

Written by Li Tao
Pulmonology
Updated on February 14, 2025
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A cold refers to what we commonly call an acute upper respiratory tract infection. It is mostly caused by viruses and bacteria infecting the upper respiratory tract, resulting in symptoms like coughing up phlegm. For example, symptoms may include sore throat, hoarseness, runny nose, teary eyes, fever, and other symptoms. All of these are referred to as a cold. After a cold, a fever may occur. Generally, if the body temperature exceeds 38.5°C, fever reduction treatment is necessary. If there are no medications available and the body temperature is quite high, drinking warm water, alcohol rubs, or warm water bathing can be used to reduce the temperature. If the body temperature is below 38.5°C, we can try to lower it to normal by drinking water and monitoring the body temperature frequently.

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Symptoms of a cold in a baby over 40 days old

The symptoms of a cold in a baby over 40 days old are definitely different from those in adults. Parents should observe whether the baby's behavior has changed. For example, if the baby becomes noticeably fussy or irritable, especially while sleeping, or if the baby has nasal congestion, a runny nose, or sneezing, these could be signs. Also, if the baby drools bubbles at the corners of the mouth while sleeping quietly, breathes noticeably faster, vomits milk after feeding more frequently than usual, or if there is an increase in the frequency and looseness of stools and bloating, these may indicate a cold. If cold symptoms appear, please seek medical attention promptly, as babies have weaker immune systems and their conditions can progress quickly. Without timely intervention, it is easy for the condition to develop into pneumonia.

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What should I do if I have a cold and my nose is itchy?

Itchy nose due to cold is caused by viral infection leading to swelling of the nasal mucosa, which causes symptoms such as runny nose and sneezing. One should choose to take vitamin supplements and drugs that suppress gland secretion for symptomatic treatment. It is also recommended to drink plenty of hot water and maintain a suitable indoor temperature and humidity. Dietary considerations should include avoiding spicy foods like chili peppers, seafood, overly sour, cold, or spicy foods. During the acute phase, under the guidance of a doctor, one may choose to take vitamin C tablets, cetirizine hydrochloride dispersible tablets for symptomatic treatment. If accompanied by fever symptoms with a body temperature above 38 degrees Celsius, acetaminophen tablets can be taken for fever reduction. The main principle of treatment is symptomatic treatment, drinking plenty of water, and it may also be combined with antiviral medication therapy.

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Can a cold caused by wind-cold result in a fever?

In cases of mild wind-cold common cold, fever usually does not occur. However, severe conditions can lead to symptoms of fever, so it is crucial to treat it promptly to effectively avoid fever symptoms. Treatment can be administered through medication for effective and rapid relief, as well as through regular diet or drinking more warm water, which can effectively expel some of the internal heat from the body through urine, resulting in effective improvement. Dietarily, it is mainly important to avoid stimulating, raw, and cold foods, and it is also necessary to keep warm and avoid getting chilled.

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How to clear a stuffy nose from a cold?

If the symptoms of nasal congestion due to a cold are mild, you can use a hot compress, such as applying a hot towel to the forehead or nose to relieve the congestion. Massaging the temples can also relieve nasal congestion and alleviate cold symptoms. If the nasal congestion from a cold is severe, you can take some cold medicines to alleviate the symptoms. You can also apply a nasal strip at the base of the nose to quickly relieve congestion. Another quick method to clear the airways is to use the steam from hot water to fumigate the nasal passages, which can effectively relieve nasal congestion. During a cold, it is also beneficial to drink more carrot water.

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What should I do about a seasonal cold?

Colds caused by seasonal changes should be treated symptomatically, often due to fluctuations in temperature differences leading to decreased immune function and colds caused by chilling. It is recommended to drink more ginger sugar water and measure body temperature. Drinking ginger sugar water can warm the body and disperse cold, as well as promote metabolism. If there are symptoms of fever, physical methods to reduce fever should be adopted, or antipyretic medications can be taken orally. Firstly, it is important to maintain the cleanliness of the indoor air, avoid eating irritating or spicy foods, measure body temperature twice daily, and possibly combine with antiviral medications for etiological treatment.