What should I do if I have a cold and fever but no medicine?

Written by Li Tao
Pulmonology
Updated on February 14, 2025
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A cold refers to what we commonly call an acute upper respiratory tract infection. It is mostly caused by viruses and bacteria infecting the upper respiratory tract, resulting in symptoms like coughing up phlegm. For example, symptoms may include sore throat, hoarseness, runny nose, teary eyes, fever, and other symptoms. All of these are referred to as a cold. After a cold, a fever may occur. Generally, if the body temperature exceeds 38.5°C, fever reduction treatment is necessary. If there are no medications available and the body temperature is quite high, drinking warm water, alcohol rubs, or warm water bathing can be used to reduce the temperature. If the body temperature is below 38.5°C, we can try to lower it to normal by drinking water and monitoring the body temperature frequently.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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What fruits to eat when having a cold?

When you have a cold, you can eat some fruits, such as neutral fruits like peaches, grapes, kiwis, strawberries, and bananas. It is also advised that you eat a reasonable amount of vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins; vegetables such as cucumbers, loofah, small spinach, and lettuce are suitable too. It is also recommended to drink more water to enhance metabolism, improve your immunity, and meet the body's demands for various nutrients through the rich nutritional content in fruits. This helps strengthen the body and speed up recovery from illness. It is also suggested to exercise moderately to enhance physical fitness and immunity, thereby aiding faster recovery from illness. Furthermore, avoid staying up late, assure adequate sleep to enhance immunity.

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Written by Feng Ying Shuai
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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How to deal with a sore throat from a cold due to excessive internal heat?

Experiencing a cold due to excessive internal heat sometimes leads to symptoms like sore throat and dry throat. If the symptoms are mild, one can manage them through dietary adjustments or by drinking mulberry leaf and chrysanthemum tea, which may alleviate the clinical symptoms. One can also use Isatis root, as it can treat sore throats and relieve some of its symptoms. However, if a cold from excessive heat causes severe sore throat, along with other systemic symptoms like fever and headache, it is crucial to take medicine and consult a doctor to determine the most suitable medication. Additionally, if the sore throat caused by the cold is accompanied by other discomforts, such as severe throat pain and elevated blood markers, it is appropriate to use antibiotics in combination with other treatments. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor and avoid self-medicating.)

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Differences between viral colds and bacterial colds in children

When children have a viral cold, they have a runny nose with clear mucus, whereas bacterial colds usually do not involve a runny nose, or the discharge is purulent. In viral colds, children may have a fever but generally remain in good spirits, and their spirits return to normal after the fever subsides. In contrast, with bacterial colds, children experience fluctuating high temperatures, poor spirits after the fever subsides, and may show symptoms such as chills and cold hands and feet. Viral colds typically present more nasal discharge than throat symptoms; when the tonsils are inflamed, they appear smooth and bright red, whereas in bacterial colds, the inflamed tonsils are uneven, dull, and sometimes with visible pus spots.

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Written by An Yong Peng
Pulmonology
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What should you not eat when you have a cold?

When you have a cold, you should avoid eating spicy, overly greasy, and cold food. These foods may worsan coughing symptoms and can also irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Generally, they are detrimental to the patient's condition. For a cold, it is recommended to have a light diet and eat some fruit appropriately, as well as drink plenty of plain water. Additionally, patients can consume some protein-rich foods, such as lean meat and eggs. Cold is usually a self-limiting illness and often does not require special treatment. Sometimes, just by making the dietary adjustments mentioned, the patient's condition may gradually improve. However, it is important to note that if the symptoms of the cold are severe, appropriate symptomatic treatment is necessary. Also, a minority of cold patients may develop complications such as pneumonia. Therefore, if cold symptoms persist, it is necessary to seek medical consultation to investigate the cause and receive appropriate management.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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How to treat a cold in children

Pediatric colds, also known as upper respiratory tract infections in children, are the most common illnesses among children. They primarily manifest as inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose, nasopharynx, and throat, which can lead to conditions such as rhinitis, pharyngitis, and acute tonsillitis. Collectively, these are referred to as upper respiratory tract infections, or simply pediatric colds. The treatment of pediatric colds mainly focuses on preparing for and preventing complications. Secondly, symptomatic treatment is essential. When a child has a high fever, antipyretics should be taken, and physical cooling can be achieved through cold compresses, or warm moist compresses. Children with febrile convulsions should be given sedatives and antispasmodics while reducing the fever. For significant nasal congestion, local medications can be used, or physiological saline water can be used to rinse the nose. For throat pain, throat lozenges can be taken, or sprays that alleviate throat discomfort can be used. It is also crucial to treat the cause of the illness. Generally, antiviral drugs are not specific, but ribavirin can be taken, along with Chinese herbal medicines that clear heat and detoxify. If there is a secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics should be used under the guidance of a hospital doctor.