Cold and Flu Symptoms Show A stuffy nose and a sore throat: it’s that telltale combination of symptoms that usually indicates the start of a cold or flu. Not surprisingly, these symptoms often exist alongside one another, like mac and cheese. Or bubbles and baths. The stuffy feeling you experience when you’re sick is a result of your immune response, which produces mucus as a way of flushing out whatever is causing the irritation– in this case, a cold or flu virus. In addition to causing sinus headaches, drainage of mucus from the sinuses down the back of the throat (otherwise known as ‘post-nasal drip’) can cause a sore throat. That’s how a cold or flu virus often works – one symptom leads to another which leads to another, creating a host of different ailments. And that’s why a multi-symptom OTC remedy like Contac® Cold + Flu is so effective. The unique combination of a decongestant and a pain-reliever in Contac® Cold + Flu can effectively control your nasal congestion and sore throat in a single dose. What causes nasal congestion and sore throat?Nasal congestion is the result of the overproduction of mucus. This often causes post-nasal drip which in turn leads to sore throats. In fact, most sore throats are caused by a cold virus and the post-nasal drip is caused by body’s reaction to the virus. In addition to using Contac® Cold + Flu as directed to treat your symptoms, you can also treat the combination of nasal congestion and a sore throat by:
The next time you feel the familiar combination of a sore throat and stuffy nose, reach for Contac® Cold + Flu. We’ve got your most annoying cold symptoms covered. Resources:Colds are very common. A visit to your health care provider's office is often not needed, and colds often get better in 3 to 4 days. A type of germ called a virus causes most colds. There are many types of viruses that can cause a cold. Depending on what virus you have, your symptoms may vary. Common symptoms of a cold include:
Mild symptoms of COVID-19 may be similar to those of the common cold. Always check with your health provider if you are at risk for COVID-19. Treating your symptoms will not make your cold go away, but will help you feel better. Antibiotics are almost never needed to treat a common cold. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) help lower fever and relieve muscle aches.
Over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medicines may help ease symptoms in adults and older children.
Many cough and cold medicines you buy have more than one medicine inside. Read the labels carefully to make sure you do not take too much of any one medicine. If you take prescription medicines for another health problem, ask your provider which OTC cold medicines are safe for you. Drink plenty of fluids, get enough sleep, and stay away from secondhand smoke. Wheezing can be a common symptom of a cold if you have asthma.
Many home remedies are popular treatments for the common cold. These include vitamin C, zinc supplements, and echinacea. Although not proven to be helpful, most home remedies are safe for most people.
Wash your hands often. This is the best way to stop the spread of germs. To wash your hands correctly:
To further prevent colds:
Try treating your cold at home first. Call your provider right away, or go to the emergency room, if you have:
Also call your provider if:
Upper respiratory infection - home care; URI - home care Cohen YZ. The common cold. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 58. Lopez SMC, Williams JV. The common cold. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 407. Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. What do I do if my throat hurts and my nose is stuffed?Drinking plenty of water and/or warm liquids. Using a humidifier or vaporizer or carefully breathing in steam from a pot on the stove. Avoiding spicy or rough-textured foods which can irritate the throat. Using warm compresses on your face to relieve discomfort and open your nasal passages.
Why is my throat sore and nose stuffy?Common cold symptoms include sneezing, stuffy nose, sore throat and mild to moderate chest discomfort and cough. Influenza, however, can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia and even death. What may seem like a cold could actually be the flu.
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