In more detail: There is no single preparation or measure that can cure a cold overnight. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cold symptoms usually peak within the first two to three days and then gradually subside. The answer to what helps with a cold therefore also depends on the main symptoms — managing a runny or blocked nose requires a different approach from managing a sore throat, a cough or a fever.
Below, we explain what you can do at the first signs of a cold, what helps with a cold and a runny nose, what to drink when you have a cold, how to relieve symptoms in adults and children, and when to seek medical advice.
What Is a Cold and Why Do Symptoms Occur?
The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that mainly affects the nose and throat. Many different respiratory viruses can cause it, and symptoms usually develop gradually.
According to the CDC, the most common cold symptoms include:
- a runny nose,
- a blocked nose,
- sneezing,
- a sore or scratchy throat,
- a cough,
- a headache,
- mild body aches,
- sometimes a fever.
Unlike flu, which often starts suddenly and may cause more pronounced fatigue, fever and muscle aches, common cold symptoms generally develop gradually. The NHS guide to the common cold also states that cold symptoms usually develop over two to three days.
If you are unsure whether you have a cold or flu, read more about recognising flu symptoms.
What Helps with a Cold?
Since the common cold is caused by viruses, it is important to respond as soon as the first symptoms appear with preparations containing natural active ingredients that help the body fight colds and flu.
General measures to support recovery include:
Rest and sleep. During an infection, the body activates its immune response, so feeling tired is not unusual. Getting enough sleep and reducing physical activity can be an important part of recovery.
Adequate fluid intake. Water, tea, soups and other drinks help maintain proper hydration. Warm drinks can be particularly soothing when you have a scratchy or sore throat.
Saline nasal solutions. Rinsing or moistening the nose with a saline solution may help with mucus build-up and a feeling of congestion.
Appropriate indoor humidity. Dry air can further irritate the lining of the nose and throat, so maintaining appropriate humidity indoors may make breathing more comfortable.
Targeted symptom relief. The choice of preparations and medicines depends on whether the main symptoms are a blocked nose, a runny nose, a sore throat, a cough, a fever or other discomfort, as well as the person’s age and health.
This approach is consistent with the recommendations from the CDC on managing cold symptoms and Mayo Clinic.
What Should You Drink When You Have a Cold?
Alongside warm teas and adequate fluid intake, primarily water, adults may seek support from carefully selected food supplements containing herbal extracts at the first signs of a cold, before symptoms fully develop.
When the body sends signals such as a runny nose, throat discomfort or a cough that may indicate a cold, it is advisable to respond promptly, within the first few hours after symptoms appear. Viranto is a natural solution that helps fight colds and flu and is best used as soon as the first symptoms appear. For adults experiencing a sore throat, a cough or other respiratory symptoms alongside a cold or flu, one available option is Viranto Hot Drink for you!, a powder for preparing a warm drink with a pleasant lemon and menthol flavour and a carefully selected combination of herbal extracts and micronutrients. The product is intended for people over 18 years of age and should be used according to the enclosed instructions or the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.
It is important to distinguish between hydration as a general measure for managing a cold and the use of a specific preparation — a warm drink does not replace adequate water intake throughout the day.
What Helps with a Scratchy or Sore Throat?
Adequate fluid intake, warm drinks, appropriate indoor humidity and other measures that reduce irritation of the throat and pharyngeal lining may help soothe a scratchy or mildly sore throat.
A scratchy throat often occurs in the early stages of a viral respiratory infection. Dry air and breathing through the mouth because of a blocked nose may make it worse.
For adults whose main symptom is throat discomfort, Viranto Lozenges for you! are intended for use during colds and flu. Viranto lozenges contain selected natural ingredients such as pelargonium, black elderberry, propolis and marshmallow. They are used by allowing them to dissolve slowly in the mouth and are best taken as soon as the first symptoms, such as a scratchy throat, a dry throat or a cough, appear. They are intended for people over 18 years of age.
What Helps with a Cold and a Runny Nose?
Saline nasal solutions, adequate fluid intake, gentle nose clearing and appropriate indoor humidity may help when a cold is accompanied by a runny or blocked nose.
A runny nose is one of the most common cold symptoms. During a viral infection, the nasal lining responds by producing more mucus and may also become swollen. This is why a runny nose and a feeling of congestion often alternate or occur at the same time. At the first signs of a cold, such as a runny or blocked nose, you can use Viranto Shot. Viranto Shot oral solution is a food for special medical purposes containing herbal extracts, vitamins and minerals, intended for the dietary management of people with colds, flu, a sore throat, a cough and respiratory symptoms. It is intended for people over 18 years of age and comes in convenient, ready-to-use bottles.
Other measures that may help with a runny or blocked nose include:
- saline nasal drops or sprays,
- adequate fluid intake,
- appropriate indoor humidity,
- inhaling steam from warm herbal teas.
If a blocked nose is your main symptom, read more about how to relieve nasal congestion.
What Helps with a Cold in Adults?
There is no universal preparation that suits every person and every symptom. When throat irritation is the main problem, the needs are different from those associated with a runny nose, a cough or general fatigue.
All products in the Viranto family share the same foundation — natural extracts and micronutrients that help with colds and flu. They differ in their dosage form and method of use, allowing you to choose the one that suits you best.
The Viranto range includes several forms intended for adults:
Viranto Adults for you! capsules are intended for use during colds and flu in adults and children over 12 years of age. They contain extracts of elderberry, acerola, rosehip and pelargonium root, as well as zinc, copper and vitamin D.
Viranto Hot Drink for you! is intended for adults over 18 years of age and is a powder for preparing a warm drink with a pleasant lemon and menthol flavour.
Viranto Lozenges for you! are used by allowing them to dissolve slowly in the mouth and are an option for adults whose more pronounced symptoms include throat pain and irritation.
Viranto Shot for you! is an oral solution and a food for special medical purposes intended for the dietary management of adults with colds, flu, a sore throat, a cough and respiratory symptoms. The product is ready to use, making it a convenient option at the first signs of a cold or flu. It is intended for people over 18 years of age.
The choice of preparation should take into account the person’s age, symptoms, health and any treatment they may already be taking.
What Helps with a Cold in Children?
Children, particularly those attending nursery or school, may catch colds more often than adults. It is especially important to ensure that any preparations used are suitable for the child’s age.
Viranto for you! syrup is intended for children over one year of age. It contains extracts of elderberry and astragalus root, as well as zinc, vitamin C and copper, which contribute to the normal function of the immune system.
Viranto Forte for you! is intended for children over three years of age for use during colds and flu. It contains extracts of elderberry, acerola, rosehip and pelargonium root, along with zinc, copper and vitamin D.
Viranto syrups for children are best used as soon as the first signs of a cold or flu appear.
Do Antibiotics Help with a Cold?
No. Antibiotics do not work against the viruses that cause the common cold and are not used to treat the viral cold itself.
The CDC recommendations for the common cold emphasise that antibiotics do not work against viruses and will not help a person with a common viral cold feel better. Unnecessary antibiotic use also carries a risk of side effects and contributes to antimicrobial resistance.
An antibiotic may be needed if a doctor identifies a bacterial infection or complication, but this would no longer be treatment for the common cold itself.
Cold or Flu — How Can You Tell the Difference?
A cold usually develops gradually and mainly affects the nose and throat, while flu generally starts suddenly and may cause more pronounced symptoms throughout the body.
Common cold symptoms include:
- a runny or blocked nose,
- sneezing,
- a scratchy or sore throat,
- a cough.
Flu may cause a higher fever, a headache, muscle and joint aches, and significant exhaustion.
The NHS comparison of colds and flu identifies a gradual onset as more characteristic of a cold, while flu often develops quickly, within a few hours, and can have a much greater effect on everyday activities.
If symptoms appear suddenly and you feel considerably unwell, you should not automatically assume that you have a common cold.
How Long Does a Cold Last?
For most people, a cold gradually resolves within approximately 7 to 10 days, although some symptoms, particularly a cough, may last longer.
Mayo Clinic states that most people recover without specific treatment in approximately 7 to 10 days.
The NHS provides a slightly broader timeframe, stating that a person with a common cold should begin to feel better within approximately one to two weeks.
Although a cold follows its own course, using natural solutions within the first few hours after initial symptoms appear, such as a scratchy throat or watery nasal discharge, can help support the body.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice for Cold Symptoms?
Seek medical advice if symptoms are unusually severe, persist, worsen or return after an initial improvement.
According to the CDC recommendations, you should seek medical advice if you experience:
- difficulty breathing or rapid breathing,
- signs of dehydration,
- a fever lasting longer than four days,
- symptoms lasting more than ten days without improvement,
- a fever or cough that improves and then returns or worsens,
- worsening of an existing chronic condition.
Particular care is needed for babies and young children, older adults, pregnant women, people with chronic conditions and people with weakened immune systems.
Respiratory infection symptoms in children can have different causes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colds
What Is the Best Thing for a Cold?
There is no single remedy that is best for every cold. For most people, the most important measures are rest, adequate fluid intake and targeted relief of symptoms such as a runny or blocked nose, a sore throat, a cough and a fever.
What Helps with a Cold and a Runny Nose?
Saline nasal solutions, adequate fluid intake, gentle nose clearing and appropriate indoor humidity may help with a cold and a runny nose. If the nose is severely blocked, the choice of additional preparations depends on the person’s age and health.
What Should You Drink When You Have a Cold?
Water, teas, soups and other drinks that help maintain hydration are good choices during a cold. Warm drinks can be particularly soothing when you have a scratchy or sore throat.
What Should You Take for a Cold?
The choice depends on the main symptoms. A blocked nose, a sore throat, a cough and a fever require different approaches. When choosing medicines and supplements, consider the person’s age, health, contraindications and any other medicines they are taking.
Can a Cold Be Cured in One Day?
There is no proven way to cure the common cold in one day. Symptoms usually subside gradually over the following days, although appropriate measures may help you feel better while the infection lasts.
What Is Best for a Cold in Adults?
For adults, the foundations are rest, hydration and targeted symptom relief. Depending on symptoms and individual needs, suitable preparations intended for adults may be used, following the instructions for use and consulting a doctor or pharmacist when necessary.
Is a Cold a Viral Infection?
Yes. Colds are caused by respiratory viruses. This is why antibiotics do not work against the common cold.
How Long Does a Cold Last?
For most people, a cold resolves within approximately 7 to 10 days, although some symptoms may last longer. If symptoms last longer than expected, do not improve or worsen, consult a doctor.
How Can You Tell the Difference Between a Cold and a Viral Infection?
A cold is a viral infection — the term “cold” describes a mild infection of the upper respiratory tract that can be caused by various respiratory viruses. However, not all viral infections are colds, and some may have different symptoms and follow a different course.
Sources
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – About Common Cold
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Manage Common Cold
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NHS – Common cold
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Mayo Clinic – Common cold: Diagnosis and treatment
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Cochrane – Zinc for prevention and treatment of the common cold
Nault D, et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2024.
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Cochrane – Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold
Hemilä H, Chalker E., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
