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Cold remedies



	Sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, sneezing, runny nose, fever, chills, and muscle aches are all symptoms associated with the common cold. Over the counter medicines for a cold only alleviate cold symptoms but do not shorten the duration of a cold. The symptoms of a common cold should go away in a week to 10 days. As always, drinking plenty of fluids and rest are most important for recovery from a cold.

Update Date: 2/22/2009

Updated by: Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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