Colds
A cold is an infection caused by a virus. It usually lasts two to three days and does not cause serious illness in healthy people. Symptoms include a runny or blocked nose, coughing, sneezing, mild fever, headache, mild earache, sore throat and red, watery eyes.
Sometimes colds are confused with influenza (“the flu”). The flu is a much more serious condition, especially in the elderly and people with other health problems. Many symptoms are similar to those of a cold, but there is usually a higher fever with influenza. There may also be chills, fatigue, aching muscles and joints with influenza, and some people have breathing difficulties.
If you often suffer from sneezing and a runny nose during spring or summer this may be a sign of hayfever, rather than a cold. An itchy roof of the mouth or eyes is also more likely to be a symptom of hayfever.
Most cold medicines contain ingredients to help dry up or unblock the nose or treat other symptoms such as a headache or cough. Some of these medicines have not been proven to work in children, especially young children aged less than 6 years, so always talk to the pharmacist if you are buying medicine for a child.
See Your Pharmacist or Medical Professional
If you have other medical conditions, take regular medication for any reason, or if you are buying a cold medicine for a child aged less than 12 years, always talk to a pharmacist. Also talk to a pharmacist if you:
Have a high fever – above 39°C
Have difficulty breathing or you are wheezing
Are coughing up green or yellow mucus
Have severe earache or sinus pain
Have a nasal discharge that is thick and coloured, and/or only coming from one nostril
Have a cold that has lasted more than one week
Are elderly or frail
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have allergies to any medicines.
Treatment Tips
Drink plenty of clear fluids (e.g., water, diluted non-sweetened fruit juice, clear soups, honey and lemon drinks)
Keep warm and get plenty of rest
Avoid spreading the cold to others – cover your mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, or cough into the crook of your elbow
Use tissues to blow your nose rather than hankies, and discard tissues in the rubbish bin after a single use
Always wash your hands after you sneeze or cough, before eating, and before and after tending to small children. Alcohol-based hand gels are also effective
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth since germs are easily spread that way
Use paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve pain and improve comfort level, especially in children who are unable to take some cold medicines
Use saline (sodium chloride 0.9%) nasal drops if congestion is present to help thin nasal secretions and reduce irritating post-nasal drips
Try one to two teaspoonful’s of honey at night in children older than 1 with a dry cough.
Treatment Options
Use of cough/cold medicines in children
Most cough and cold medicines contain ingredients which are not recommended for children aged less than 6 years. The only exceptions are bromhexine, an ingredient used to break up mucus in the throat, and the nasal decongestants oxymetazoline and xylometazoline, which may be used in children aged 2 years of age and older. Never exceed the maximum recommended dose on the product label. Ask your pharmacist for further advice.
Treatment types
There are no treatments to cure a cold. Antibiotics are not useful because colds are caused by a virus, not a bacteria. However, there are many products to help relieve symptoms of a cold, such as:
Pain relievers (analgesics) – these can also help to lower a high temperature
Decongestants, antihistamines and inhalations – these can help to relieve a blocked or runny nose
Cough remedies such as cough suppressants, which can provide relief from a dry, unproductive cough, and expectorants, which can help a chesty cough.
Day/night products contain two different types of tablets – one for use during the day and one for night. The night treatment causes drowsiness and can aid sleep. Avoid alcohol if you take these products.
Many cold relief products contain two or more ingredients to treat different symptoms, such as a pain reliever and a decongestant. If you take more than one cold remedy, check the label to make sure you are not doubling-up on the same type of ingredient or treatment.
Always discuss treatment options with a pharmacist to ensure the best outcome.
Oral pain relievers (analgesics) – also for reducing fever
[GENERAL SALE]
e.g., paracetamol – packets of 20 or fewer, sachets to mix up into a hot drink (Panadol, Paracare, Lemsip Cold & Flu Lemon and Menthol)
[PHARMACY ONLY]
e.g., paracetamol - larger pack sizes (Panadol, Paracare), paracetamol suspension (Pamol)
Paracetamol is a safe choice for most people but it is important not to take more than recommended
Paracetamol is an ingredient in many cold and flu remedies, so be careful not to double dose if taking more than one product
The maximum daily dose for an adult is 4g (4000mg) – and no more than 1g (1000mg) every four hours. See manufacturer’s directions for children’s doses.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin
[GENERAL SALE]
e.g., aspirin (Aspro, Disprin range), ibuprofen (packets of 25 or fewer) (ACT-3 Ibuprofen, Nurofen)
[PHARMACY ONLY]
e.g., ibuprofen (larger pack sizes) (Nurofen), ibuprofen suspension (Nurofen for Children)
Paracetamol, aspirin and NSAIDs relieve pain and reduce fever (high temperature)
See manufacturer’s directions for children’s doses.
Aspirin and NSAIDs are not suitable for everyone. Children under 12 years old must not take aspirin because it can cause Reye’s syndrome – a serious condition. It should also be avoided by adolescents under 16 years old who have a viral illness.
Check with your pharmacist before taking aspirin or NSAIDs if you:
Have a history of stomach problems, such as ulcers or indigestion
Have asthma – some people with asthma find their condition is made worse by these types of medicines
Have kidney problems or a heart condition
Take other medications
Have an allergy to aspirin or NSAIDs
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Are dehydrated.
Sometimes aspirin and NSAIDs can cause side effects. If you develop indigestion, or unusual or increased bleeding or bruising, stop taking them and talk to your pharmacist.
Saline nasal products
[GENERAL SALE]
e.g., Fess Nasal range, Narium Nasal Mist & Drops, Otrivin Saline
Saline (salt water) nasal sprays or drops help to thin mucus and moisturise dry nasal passages
They allow mucus to be broken down faster and make it easier to clear
Unlike other topical decongestants, they are safe to use in young children, pregnant women, and long-term in people with persistent congestion.
Topical decongestants
[PHARMACY ONLY]
e.g., Dimetapp 12 Hour Nasal Spray, Drixine, Otrivin, Otrivin Plus, Sudafed Nasal Spray
Topical decongestants must not be used for more than three days at one time or the congestion can come back worse than before when the treatment is stopped.
Oral decongestants
[GENERAL SALE]
e.g., Dimetapp PE Nasal Decongestant
Relieves nasal congestion.
Inhalations
[GENERAL SALE]
e.g., Karvol Decongestant Capsules, Vicks Vaporub
Avoid using oils with steam in very young children
Do not apply products directly to the chest or skin of young children. Instead, place on a tissue and place near the face (for example, under a pillow or in a top pocket).
Combination products
These treat a range of symptoms, e.g.:
–Analgesics (pain relievers) – these can also help to lower a high temperature
–Decongestants, antihistamines and inhalations – these can help to relieve a blocked or runny nose
–cough suppressants which can provide relief from a dry, unproductive cough
–expectorants which can help a chesty cough.
Expectorant only
[GENERAL SALE]
e.g., Mucinex
Decongestant + analgesic(s)
[GENERAL SALE]
e.g., Codral Relief Max Strength Cold & Flu + Decongestant Hot Drink, Coldrex Hot Remedy Cold & Flu Plus with Decongestant, Lemsip Max Cold & Flu with Decongestant, Lemsip Max Cold & Flu Day & Night Capsules (with caffeine), Lemsip Max Lemon Flavour Tablets, Nurofen Cold & Flu PE, Panadol Cold & Flu Max + Decongestant Caplets/ Hot Lemon (sachets)
[PHARMACY ONLY]
e.g., Maxiclear Cold & Nasal Relief, Sudafed PE Sinus + Pain Relief
Decongestant + paracetamol + cough suppressant
[PHARMACY ONLY]
e.g., Codral Cold & Flu, Panadol Cold & Flu Relief PE
Decongestant + paracetamol + expectorant
[GENERAL SALE]
e.g., Coldrex PE Cough, Cold & Flu, Lemsip Max All in One Capsules, Lemsip Max All in One Hot Drink
Decongestant + analgesic(s) + antihistamine
[PHARMACY ONLY]
e.g., Codral 4 Flu, Codral PE Day & Night , Codral Nightime Cold & Flu, Sudafed PE Sinus Day + Night Relief
Decongestant + paracetamol + antihistamine + cough suppressant
[PHARMACY ONLY]
e.g., Codral PE Cold & Flu + Cough, Coldrex PE Cold & Flu Day & Night, Panadol Flu Strength Day & Night PE
Decongestant + antihistamine
[PHARMACY ONLY]
e.g., Demazin Syrup, Dimetapp Elixir, Dimetapp Elixir Colour Free, Maxiclear Cold & Nasal Relief
Decongestant + antihistamine + cough suppressant
[PHARMACY ONLY]
e.g., Dimetapp DM Elixir, Dimetapp DM Elixir Colour Free
People who take other medicines or have other medical conditions may be unable to take cold and flu tablets – check with your pharmacist
Antihistamines in cold, flu and cough medicines may cause drowsiness – do not drive when taking them and avoid alcohol
Codeine-containing cold remedies are not suitable for everyone. They should not be used for longer than three days as they can cause addiction, and they can also cause drowsiness and constipation in some people. Ask your pharmacist which products contain codeine.
NOTE: See Warning statement re Children and Cough/Cold medicines at start of Treatment Options above.
Products containing pseudoephedrine
[PRESCRIPTION ONLY – Controlled Drug]
Pseudoephedrine (a decongestant) is no longer available without a prescription.
Antibacterial prophylaxis (prevention of bacterial complications)
[PHARMACIST ONLY]
e.g., Buccaline
These tablets may offer some protection against bacterial complications developing from a cold.
Natural/herbal products/supplements
e.g., Andrographis, BLIS probiotics, De-Stuff for Kids, Ginseng (Siberian), GO Vir-Defence, Kiwiherb Echinacea and Manuka Honey, Sambucol, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Zinc
Many natural products claim to help the body's own defences to fight viral infections
GO Vir-Defence helps to support the body's own immune system to help fight colds and the flu
De-Stuff for Kids may help relieve ear, nose and sinus congestion in children
Aromatherapy oils (e.g., eucalyptus, manuka, lavender, thyme) may be beneficial but should be used strictly as directed and kept out of reach of children as they are toxic if swallowed
Zinc, vitamin A and vitamin C may help immunity and colds prevention.
Also see our topics on Sore throats, Dry Coughs, Chesty Coughs, Sinus and Nasal Problems for more product options
More Information
Availability of medicines
GENERAL SALE available through pharmacies and possibly other retail outlets.
PHARMACY ONLY available for sale through pharmacies only.
PHARMACIST ONLY may only be sold by a pharmacist.
PRESCRIPTION ONLY available only with a prescription from your doctor or other health professional
PRESCRIPTION ONLY - Controlled Drug available only with a Controlled Drug Prescription from your doctor.
Consumer Medicine Information on some medicines is available at the government website www.medsafe.govt.nz
