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Head cold symptoms and how to help manage them

There may not be a cure for the common cold, but there are plenty of ways to help you feel better.

Published: January 22, 2024 |7 minute read

Written by: Jessica Sebor

Mature man with a head cold sitting in the living room blowing his nose with a tissue.

Like flies in the summertime, head colds are just a part of life. The telltale symptoms (a runny nose and scratchy throat) have been bothering people since at least the days of ancient Egypt.1 Today, American adults can expect to suffer from two to four colds each year. That number is even higher for children, especially if they’re in school or day care.2,3

Congestion, headaches and that overall cruddy feeling can make everyday tasks a slog. Even sleeping can be tough.4 But while there is no cure for a head cold, some products and practices can help make symptoms easier to manage — and can give the body some much-needed relief.5

Here’s what to know about managing colds at home and when it might be time to seek treatment from a professional.

In this article:

What is a head cold?

A head cold is a colloquial term for the common cold, notes Seth Trueger, MD, MPH, an emergency physician based in Illinois and spokesperson for the American College of Emergency Physicians.6 These colds affect the upper respiratory tract, such as your nose and throat,7 and are among the most widespread illnesses in the world.8

“There are a number of viruses that cause colds,” explains Dr. Trueger. “Two of the main types are rhinoviruses (“rhino” means nose in Greek) and coronaviruses, which we knew about long before COVID-19.”

While there are over 200 viruses that can cause a head cold, all of them work more or less the same way.9 Melanie Carver, chief mission officer for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, says: “Colds occur when a cold virus settles into the mucus membranes of the nose and sinus cavities and causes an infection.”10

Cold viruses spread from person to person through the air and by touch.11 They typically spread faster in the winter thanks to more time spent indoors, where the virus circulates in the dry air.12

Dr. Trueger notes that you can lower the chances of catching a cold by wearing a mask in busy areas and by washing your hands frequently, especially before eating or touching your face.13

Head cold symptoms

You can usually spot a head cold by the symptoms you feel in the head, nose and throat.14 While symptoms can vary, typical signs of a head cold include the following:

  • Coughing
  • Fatigue
  • A headache
  • Sneezing
  • A sore throat
  • A stuffy and/or runny nose

In otherwise healthy people, head colds usually last 7 to 10 days, notes Sukrut Dwivedi, DO, FACP, an infectious disease specialist with ID Care in New Jersey. “The symptoms of a head cold usually start improving after three to four days from the onset,” he says.15

Over-the-counter options for a head cold

Head colds can’t be cured, and the vast majority of cases don’t require medical attention, explains Dr. Trueger. “They are caused by viruses not bacteria. So the good news is you don’t need to take antibiotics. Viruses just need to run their course.”

When you need relief from nagging symptoms, a number of over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicines may help. According to Dr. Dwivedi, it’s important to remember that some medications can interact with other medications or can cause side effects. “You should also talk to your doctor before taking over-the-counter medications if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have any underlying medical conditions,” he says.

OTC options include the following:16

Other care for a head cold

For most run-of-the-mill colds, Dr. Trueger notes that the best treatment is “rest and plenty of fluids.” Staying hydrated not only helps the body fight infection, but it can also thin and loosen mucus.23

“Steam can also act as a natural decongestant,” says Carver. Try relaxing in a hot shower, breathing over a pot of steaming water, drinking hot liquids (like chamomile tea)24 and staying close to a humidifier, especially when you sleep.25

Another helper can be found in your kitchen cabinet, adds Dr. Trueger. He recommends a spoonful of regular honey every few hours to help with a cough.

Other home remedies include saltwater gargles to soothe a sore throat, a warm compress to relieve sinus pain and a neti pot for congestion relief.26

If you’re in the market for a neti pot, consider the CVS Health soft-tip neti pot sinus wash system or the NeilMed porcelain neti pot.

When to see a health care provider

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most people with a head cold “feel better within a week or two.”27 If symptoms last longer than 10 days without improvement, get worse over that time, or improve but then come back stronger, it’s important to seek medical attention.28

Dr. Trueger also recommends keeping an eye out for some of the stronger signals that a cold could become an emergency. Those include feeling too weak to take deep breaths or having trouble eating or drinking. If you’re feeling extra run down, it may be a good idea to make an appointment.

*This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult with your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.