Old Main 560
(360) 650-2993
pws@wwu.edu
Office Hours: Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
Cold and Flu Self-Care
Colds do not spread primarily through coughing or sneezing, but rather through hand-to-hand contact. If you touch the hand of an infected person, then touch your eyes or nose, you’re more likely to become infected. You can also catch them through contact with a hard, nonporous surface (like a telephone or doorknob) after an infected person has touched it.
Cold symptoms:
Sore throat, sneezing, runny nose, muscle aches, low grade fever, headache, and loss of appetite. Symptoms usually last two to seven days, although a cough may last longer.
Flu symptoms:
Sore throat and nasal or sinus congestion, muscle aches, dry cough, headache, dizziness, extreme fatigue, moderately high fever (102-104), chills.
Medication Tips for Cold and Flu:
Since most cold infections are viral, antibiotics won’t make you better faster. These treatments are directed at symptoms causing the most distress:
- Pseudoephedrine for the runny nose and congestion (also may help ear fullness)
- Ibuprofen for fever and muscle aches (acetaminophen works for fever alone)
- Antihistamine can ease the congestion and help you sleep – however they dry up mucus and make it harder to move out of your system.
- Cough medicine with ingredients like dextromethorphan (cough suppressant), or guiafenisin (expectorant) can also be helpful.
- Use nasal sprays no longer than 3 days in a row (there’s a risk of rebound symptoms such as more swelling, bleeding, or irritation)
- Flu: Your doctor can prescribe an antiviral drug that can ease symptoms and shorten the duration (but only if medication is taken at the first signs of illness)
Self-Help Tips:
- Eating soup and drinking hot liquids can ease nasal congestion by loosening secretions, but try to avoid beverages with caffeine or alcohol.
- Drinking plenty of liquids, such as water or juice can soothe your throat.
- Inhale steam to relieve symptoms of congestion and help clear nasal dripping.
- Taking a long, hot shower can help relieve congestion and cough.
- Washing your hands/using hand sanitizer frequently will make you less contagious.
- Gargle with salt water or suck on a lollipop.
- Taking vitamin C hasn’t been proven to be beneficial.
- Get plenty of rest to give your body time to recover.
- Pick up a FREE cold pack at the Wellness Outreach Center in VU 432!
When to seek help:
- If you have a high or persistent fever.
- If you have asthma or smoke cigarettes and are coughing up green phlegm.
- If you have a severe headache.
- If you can’t hold down your liquids.
- If you just aren’t getting better after a period of time.
