Decongestant medicines and nose sprays may help with these symptoms, but it is important to realize that they will not make the cold go away faster. According to the University of British Columbia, Antibiotic Resistance Education Project, although many people think green or yellow discharge from their child's nose is a sign of an infection that requires antibiotics, most of the time this coloured discharge is a symptom of a viral cold. Most coughs do not need antibiotic treatment. A cold or flu virus usually runs its course in seven to 10 days, but many people will be left with a lingering cough. These are post-viral symptoms that unfortunately can sometimes be more bothersome than the actual virus.
Sore throats unaccompanied by a fever can signal the start of a cold or flu.
Sips of water, juice or soups will help young children, while older children and grown-ups can gargle with warm salt water. Doctors, too, are hearing our message and are now more selective in their use of antibiotics. Along with Pfizer Canada, Maclean Hunter Healthcare is supporting the initiative as a media partner.