How to reduce a fever when having a cold and headache

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on January 23, 2025
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Symptoms of a cold such as headache and fever can be treated by applying a cool towel or ice pack to the forehead, or by taking antipyretic analgesic drugs to alleviate the fever. Options include acetaminophen, naproxen, or sodium diclofenac, all of which effectively ease symptoms caused by a cold like headaches and fever. Additionally, drinking more ginger sugar water and using warm water or alcohol to wipe down the palms, soles, neck, and chest can help reduce fever physically.

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Written by Qiu Xin Hui
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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The cause of colds and flu

Cold and influenza are what traditional Chinese medicine refers to as 'wind-cold common cold.' The main causes are due to a decrease in the body's resistance, exposure to cold wind, and the inability to expel it from the body promptly. This results in a series of symptoms related to the wind-cold common cold, such as nasal congestion, clear nasal discharge, sneezing, sore limbs, chills, and fever. At this time, active treatment should be carried out, and it is appropriate to eat more warm foods or take medicines for conditioning. At home, you can use ginger brown sugar water, drink more hot porridge, and cover with thick blankets to make the body sweat slightly, which can alleviate the symptoms.

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Written by Zou Zhong Lan
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The difference between viral and bacterial colds

The main differences between viral and bacterial colds are: First, the pathogens are different. Viral colds are primarily caused by viruses, while bacterial colds are mainly caused by bacterial infections. Second, the characteristics of contagion differ. Viral colds generally have stronger contagiousness, such as influenza, which has distinct characteristics of outbreaks and often occurs seasonally in spring and winter, with a sudden onset. Bacterial colds are less contagious and typically occur sporadically. Third, the symptoms differ. Generally, viral colds mainly present symptoms of nasal congestion, runny nose, and other upper respiratory catarrhal symptoms. Bacterial colds mainly present with fever, sore throat, tonsillitis, and other symptoms. Fourth, in terms of examinations, a typical hemogram for viral colds usually shows normal or low white blood cells, with an increase in lymphocytes, while bacterial colds often show an increase in white blood cells or neutrophils. Fifth, the treatment approaches differ. Treatment for viral colds primarily includes antiviral therapy, nutritional support, ventilation, and hydration. Bacterial colds are mainly treated with antibiotics and anti-infection therapies.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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Do you need to take medicine for a cold with nasal congestion?

Nasal congestion due to a cold is very common in clinical practice. The need for medication depends on the type of cold and the patient's own immune function. If the patient has a cold caused by a viral infection and the symptoms are not severe, or if the patient generally likes to exercise and is young, a mild cold may not require medication and can heal on its own within about a week. For children or elderly individuals with weaker resistance, when an upper respiratory infection occurs, it is advisable to administer some medication for symptomatic treatment to prevent the condition from worsening and to avoid unnecessary complications.

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Can I eat beef with a cold?

Beef is a very delicious food, but can you still eat beef after catching a cold? Whether you can eat beef after catching a cold depends on the specific situation. If the symptoms of the cold are mild and not very pronounced, it is okay to eat beef. However, if the symptoms are severe, such as significant fever, reduced appetite, and gastrointestinal discomfort, it is recommended to avoid eating beef. This is because beef is rich in protein and generally not very easy to digest. Eating beef in such cases could increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract, causing the body to feel even more uncomfortable.

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Can you catch a cold in the early stages of pregnancy?

The common cold is one of the most prevalent diseases, and people are generally susceptible to the cold virus, with no significant differences in incidence related to age or gender. Therefore, it is also possible to catch a cold in the early stages of pregnancy, and it is important to actively prevent colds during this time. This includes making sure to rest, avoid getting chilled, adjust clothing with seasonal changes, drink plenty of water, and ensure proper ventilation in the room. During peak cold season, it's best to avoid crowded places to reduce the risk of infection.