1 active alert Show

2025 Magnet® Redesignation Feedback

The Magnet® designation for nursing excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center is the pre-eminent recognition for hospital systems in the United States.

ChristianaCare Health System was designated as a Magnet organization in 2010, 2015, and 2020 by the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® and are now applying for redesignation.

We invite patients, family members, staff, and other interested parties to provide feedback via email or direct mail. For more information, please click here.

Antibiotic Use

Common Cold

Antibiotics and the common cold

Symptoms Risks Care Feeling Better Preventing Colds Resources

Antibiotics and the Common Cold

Common colds are caused by viruses. Antibiotics won’t help you feel better because antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses. Using antibiotics when they are not needed could cause more harm, including side effects, allergic reactions, and antibiotic resistance.

The common cold is a viral infection of the nose and throat. More than 200 types of viruses cause colds, but the most common is the rhinovirus. On average, adults get two to three colds each year, and colds are the most frequent reason why children miss school.

Colds can quickly spread from one person to another. These viruses are spread by skin-to-skin contact, kissing, sharing drinks, and touching contaminated surfaces. The virus also spreads when an infected person sneezes or coughs, putting the virus in the air.

Prevention practices can help you to avoid catching a cold. But if you do feel sick, you will typically start to get better within about a week, whether you take antibiotics or not. Symptoms may last for up to two weeks.

Sometimes a person may develop a bacterial infection such as pneumonia, that starts out feeling like the common cold. If you develop a high fever (temperature over 103 °F or 39.4 °C) or difficulty breathing, seek additional care to determine if there is a more severe infection.

Symptoms of the Common Cold

A cold usually starts with clear, runny mucus in the nose. It’s your body’s way of washing away germs from the nose and sinuses.

Over the next few days, the mucus might turn yellow or green. This is normal and does not mean you have an infection or need an antibiotic.

Other symptoms include:

Sneezing
Stuffy nose
Sore throat
Cough
Post-nasal drip, when mucus runs down your throat
Watery eyes
Mild headache
Mild body aches

Symptoms generally increase in about three days and then start to get better within a week. Sometimes, symptoms can last for up to two weeks. If there is fever, it is generally less than 100.6° F.

Risk Factors for Common Cold

Colder months because people spend more time indoors, such as home, school and the office, and are more likely to be around others with colds.
Cold viruses also survive longer in winter conditions (lower temperature, humidity).
Younger age, such as infants and children, particularly those in daycare or school.
Weakened immune system due to a medical condition or a medicine you are taking.

When to Seek Care

Seek medical care if symptoms last more than 10 days and do not improve, or if you have severe or unusual symptoms.

If a child younger than 3 months old develops a fever (greater than or equal to 100.4 ◦F), call your healthcare professional right away.

Feeling Better

Colds generally get better on their own. Your doctor or pharmacist can recommend over-the-counter medicines for your symptoms. Use the medicine as directed and follow the age guidelines.

Many over-the-counter cold/flu remedy products contain multiple medicines, often including Tylenol (acetaminophen). Be aware of the acetaminophen amount in each product, making sure to not exceed the recommended daily dose (3 grams or 3000 mg per day for adults).

Many over-the-counter products are not recommended for children under a certain age. Ask your child’s doctor or pharmacist for recommendations.

Prevention

Clean your hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand gels/hand sanitizer.
Avoid close contact with those who have upper respiratory infections.
Consider wearing a mask when in crowded places, particularly indoors (for example, grocery stores).
Cover your mouth with your arm or a tissue when coughing or sneezing, so you don’t infect others.
Wipe down commonly touched surfaces (phones, door handles, etc.) with a disinfecting wipe.
Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes if you haven’t recently cleaned your hands.