November 15, 2003
- Children and adults with viral infections recover when the illness has run its course. Colds caused by viruses may last for two weeks or longer.
- Measures that can help a person with a cold or flu feel better:
- --Increase fluid intake.
- --Use a cool mist vaporizer or saline nasal spray to relieve congestion.
- --Soothe throat with ice chips, sore throat spray or lozenges (for older children and adults)
- Viral infections may sometimes lead to bacterial infections. Patients should keep their doctor informed if their illness gets worse or lasts a long time.