Types and Symptoms of the Common Cold

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on March 26, 2025
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The types and symptoms of colds can generally be divided into influenza and the common cold based on their causes, and there are certain differences in their symptoms. Influenza typically occurs during epidemic periods and shows classic symptoms such as sore limbs, fatigue, headache, nausea, and drowsiness. In contrast, the common cold typically features symptoms like clear nasal discharge, watery eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, dry mouth, and sore throat, but lacks the sore limbs symptom seen in influenza.

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How to reduce fever from a stomach flu?

Generally, physical cooling methods such as wiping with alcohol or applying ice packs to areas with large arteries like the armpits, groin, or neck can be used to dissipate heat, but it is important to prevent frostbite. Secondly, you can drink herbal teas that clear heat, such as chrysanthemum tea or honeysuckle tea. Massages can also help reduce fever, focusing on acupoints like Quchi (LI 11), Hegu (LI 4), Dazhui (GV 14), and Yongquan (KI 1). Additionally, antipyretic and analgesic medications can be taken to help reduce fever. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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Is it normal for a baby to urinate less when they have a cold?

If a baby catches a cold, it might affect their gastrointestinal function, followed by a noticeable decrease in milk intake. Furthermore, if the baby is uncomfortable, they may become fussy and cry more than usual, which can lead to increased insensible water loss. In such cases, the baby with a cold might experience less frequent urination. This is generally considered normal. However, if the baby's urination decreases but their milk intake and other conditions are stable, parents should check for swelling in the eyelids or lower limbs. If swelling occurs, it is definitely abnormal, and medical attention should be sought promptly. The doctor will conduct specific examinations based on the baby's condition and decide if treatment is necessary.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
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Differences between air conditioning cold and common cold

Using air conditioning set too low, or staying in an air-conditioned room for a long time, can easily cause a cold due to the lack of air circulation. When a person's immune function is low, it is easy for viruses or bacteria to invade the respiratory tract, causing symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, fever, headache, and dizziness. In the case of a common cold, it might be a heat-type cold or it could be a cold-type cold. Common colds are usually caused by viral infections of the respiratory tract, leading to clinical symptoms of discomfort. On the other hand, air conditioning colds often occur due to the air conditioning being set too cold, leading to cold-induced symptoms. Thus, there is a distinct difference between air conditioning colds and common colds, with the systemic symptoms caused by air conditioning colds being relatively more severe.

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How to reduce fever from a cold?

Fever symptoms caused by a heat cold, the first choice of antipyretic method is to take physical antipyretic measures, such as using a cool towel, ice cap, or ice pack to cold compress the forehead area. One can also choose fever-reducing patches or use alcohol to wipe areas like the palms and soles of the feet to promote metabolism. If the effect is not apparent, one can take antipyretic and analgesic medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for fever treatment. Note: Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.

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Quick treatment methods for colds with mild fever

The general method for quickly handling mild fever due to a cold primarily involves physical cooling. If the body temperature exceeds 38.5 degrees Celsius, it's necessary to combine this with taking antipyretic and analgesic drugs. There are many common methods of physical cooling. For adults, approximately 30% concentration alcohol can be used to wipe areas such as the palms, soles, neck, and chest. For infants and young children, alcohol should not be used; instead, wipe the body with warm water around 30-40 degrees Celsius. Applying cool towels or ice packs to the forehead can also serve as a physical cooling method.