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Treating the Common Cold
UHN
Information for patients with pulmonary hypertension
and their families
What is a cold?
The common cold is a virus and does not go away when you take antibiotics.
Symptoms may include cough, runny nose, sneezing and sore throat.
How long does it last?
A cold usually lasts about 8 to 14 days.
How does the cold spread?
A cold can spread easily from person to person. When you cough and sneeze,
germs travel in the air and can be breathed in by another person. Colds can also
spread by hand to hand or hand to object contact.
How can I prevent a cold?
The flu shot does NOT prevent the cold virus. The best way to avoid colds is to
wash your hands often. The cold virus stays “alive” on surfaces for up to 18 hours,
so clean areas that you use the most, such as door handles and counter-tops.
Remember, cover your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze.
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Please visit the UHN Patient Education website for more health information: www.uhnpatienteducation.ca
© 2015 University Health Network. All rights reserved.
This information is to be used for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional
medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific
medical condition. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for non-commercial personal use only.
Authors: Mary McCarthy and Laura Greene
Created: 03/2015
Form: D-5367
Should I keep exercising?
Yes, unless it makes you cough more.
What can I take to treat my cold?
You can:
 Take a decongestant for stuffy nose as long as it does not have a
stimulant, such as Pseudephedrine.)
 Ask your pharmacist about taking DM cough syrup without a stimulant.
 Drink hot water with lemon and honey.
 Do not have more than your fluid-intake maximum, if you have one.
Ask a member of your health care team about this.
 Rest and get some sleep.
What is the difference between a cold and flu?
Influenza (commonly call the flu) is a viral respiratory illness. It is more serious
than the common cold. Symptoms usually include a fever, chills, cough, malaise
and feeling very tired.
For patients with pulmonary hypertension, the Pulmonary Hypertension
Program recommends:
• all patients and their families get the FLU shot every year
• all patients get a pneumonia shot every 5 years.
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