COMMON COLD
PROBLEM
The common cold is swelling of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. Most people complain of feeling tired and have a runny or stopped-up nose, a sore throat, hoarseness, and watery and/or red eyes. You may have a low-grade fever or no fever at all.
CAUSE
A virus usually causes the common cold.
PREVENTION
A.The flu vaccine is recommended to be taken every year.
B.Colds are spread from one person to another through hand-to-hand contact and contact with air droplets from sneezing, coughing, and talking.
C.Practice good handwashing techniques with soap and water or hand sanitizers.
D.Do not drink from the same glass after others.
E.Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough.
F.Use tissues when you blow your nose. Dispose of them and then wash your hands.
G.If no tissue is available, do the elbow sneeze
into the bend of your arm/shirt sleeve (away from your open hands). Always wash your hands.
TREATMENT PLAN
A.Using a humidifier for your bedroom or inhaling steam helps keep the mucous membranes of your nose from drying.
B.Discuss using saline nose drops.
C.Secondary infections of the respiratory tract (sinuses, lungs) may occur. If these do occur, then antibiotic therapy may be needed.
D.Zinc preparations are not recommended for an acute cough caused by the common cold.
Activity: There are no activity restrictions. Frequent rest periods or naps can help with fatigue.
Diet: Eat well-balanced meals and snacks. Drink extra liquids (10–12 glasses a day). Warm fluids, such as tea and soups, can increase the rate of mucus flow and provide some symptom relief.
Medications: Antibiotics are not prescribed for a cold, but they may be prescribed for a secondary infection. All cold medications are available over the counter. Please consider the side effects of these products, as side effects can be greater than any benefit. If you choose to use them, take as directed.
You Have Been Prescribed: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Notify the Office If:
A.You experience pain that is getting worse in your ears, sinuses, throat, neck, or chest.
B.You have green or yellow nasal drainage.
C.Your temperature is higher than 100.4°F.
D.You are a diabetic and your blood sugars are elevated, or you notice ketones in your urine while you are sick.
E.Other: ___________________________________________________________
PATIENT TEACHING GUIDE