A cold with a runny nose and sore throat is what kind of cold?

Written by An Yong Peng
Pulmonology
Updated on May 25, 2025
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A cold accompanied by a runny nose and a sore throat may be a viral infection. Typical symptoms of a viral cold include a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, and a sore throat, as well as coughing. Sometimes symptoms also include headache, muscle aches, chills, fatigue, and even a low fever. Influenza can also cause symptoms like a runny nose and sore throat, but compared to a common viral cold, influenza is more likely to present with high fever and more severe systemic symptoms such as muscle aches and fatigue. Furthermore, the treatment for influenza differs from that of a common cold; besides symptomatic treatment, antiviral treatment with neuraminidase inhibitors is often required for influenza.

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Written by Xu Peng
Pulmonology
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Why do I catch a cold again after just getting over one?

Repeated colds indicate that the body has weak immunity, making it susceptible to repeated infections by cold viruses, leading to symptoms of a cold. Therefore, it is important to regularly exercise, get more sunlight, balance work and rest, and develop good living habits. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and staying up late; ensure sufficient sleep to allow the body to recover. Eat fresh vegetables and fruits and consume more protein-rich foods, such as milk, beef, and lean meats, to enhance the body's resistance. It is crucial to keep warm, especially during weather changes, to avoid catching cold. Adjust your clothing accordingly and try to avoid crowded places during the cold season. If you must visit these places, it is advisable to wear a mask.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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What to eat when you have a cold and fever

When suffering from a cold and fever, it is advisable to consume more bland, soft foods that are rich in vitamins and high in fiber. For instance, drinking millet congee or vegetable congee can be beneficial. In terms of fruits and vegetables, options like apples, bananas, kiwi, tomatoes, mung bean sprouts, and carrots are recommended. Avoid overeating, smoking, and drinking alcohol. Foods like soy products, dairy, and eggs can be consumed in moderation. During the acute phase of a cold and fever, it is not recommended to eat meat or seafood, or consume irritating substances like chili peppers. It's better to drink more ginger tea with sugar. To alleviate fever symptoms, physical cooling or medication can be used.

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Written by Feng Ying Shuai
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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How to deal with a sore throat from a cold due to excessive internal heat?

Experiencing a cold due to excessive internal heat sometimes leads to symptoms like sore throat and dry throat. If the symptoms are mild, one can manage them through dietary adjustments or by drinking mulberry leaf and chrysanthemum tea, which may alleviate the clinical symptoms. One can also use Isatis root, as it can treat sore throats and relieve some of its symptoms. However, if a cold from excessive heat causes severe sore throat, along with other systemic symptoms like fever and headache, it is crucial to take medicine and consult a doctor to determine the most suitable medication. Additionally, if the sore throat caused by the cold is accompanied by other discomforts, such as severe throat pain and elevated blood markers, it is appropriate to use antibiotics in combination with other treatments. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor and avoid self-medicating.)

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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What is good to eat when you have a cold?

What to eat when you have a cold? You should choose soft, bland, and easily digestible foods. In terms of medication, you need to choose antiviral drugs and symptomatic treatment drugs. The diet should be light, soft, and easy to digest, avoiding excessive consumption of meat and overly greasy, high-calorie foods. Eat more celery, spinach, mung bean sprouts, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, bitter melon, etc. General soy products and dairy can also be consumed. It is not recommended to consume too much meat; the focus should be on light foods, consumed in small amounts frequently. When having a fever, opt for liquid or semi-liquid foods.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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What can a baby eat when they have a cold?

When a baby catches a cold, they typically exhibit symptoms such as fever, cough, and runny nose. Some may also experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive system symptoms. Therefore, during this period, it is important that the diet is light and easy to digest. For instance, if the baby is breastfed, they can continue breastfeeding, but the mother should also maintain a light and easily digestible diet. Continuing with milk is fine, but it should be diluted to aid digestion. Additionally, light meals like porridge, noodles, rice paste, some vegetables, and a moderate amount of fruits as supplements can be given. Spicy, greasy, and stimulating foods should be avoided during this time.