Therapy of a viral cold
If it is a simple viral cold, a drug therapy to combat it is ineffective. The administration of antibiotics is pointless, since they only eliminate bacteria, but not viruses. If, in the course of a viral infection, there is an additional infection with a bacterium, the doctor can decide, depending on the individual case, to administer an antibiotic after all.
There is therefore no means of shortening the duration of the illness in the case of a viral cold, so that a duration of between one and two weeks must usually be assumed. What can be done, however, is a symptom-relieving therapy in which, for example, drugs can be given to lower the fever and combat headaches and aching limbs (e.g. ibuprofen, paracetamol, novamine sulfone). Occasionally, mucolytic preparations such as ACC akut® can also be tried, as well as mucosal decongestant nasal sprays for blocked nose (but only for a short time!
)As a cold is often accompanied by fever, it is important to drink enough fluids. This can be done with simple water or with special cold teas. To lower the fever, calf compresses can also be used.
The old chicken soup has also been proven to be effective against colds, as it provides important anti-inflammatory proteins (cysteine), vitamins and zinc. Inhalations (e.g. by means of a head steam bath) and cold baths with eucalyptus, peppermint or thyme can be tried against blocked noses and sinuses as well as coughs, just like saltwater nasal rinses. Since the administration of antibiotics for viral colds is not necessary and at best symptom-relieving medication can be administered, it is also possible to take homeopathic remedies for common ailments.Common preparations for colds include Belladonna (belladonna), Gelsemium (wild jasmine), Bryonia (bryony), Aconitum (wolfsbane), Eupatorium (water-east), Dulcamara (bittersweet nightshade) and Ferrum phosphaticum.
Duration of a viral cold
Viral colds usually last a good week, in some cases the infection can last for two weeks. The duration of the infection is usually not influenced by the medication or drugs taken, as these – as described above – only serve to relieve the symptoms, but not to fight the virus. The widespread saying “three days come, three days stand, three days go” is therefore true in most cases, even though there can always be exceptions.
- Duration of a cold
- Superinfection
All articles in this series:
