Common Cold (Acute Upper Respiratory Infection)
Also known as: Common cold, Acute upper respiratory infection, Acute coryza, Viral rhinitis, Head cold, URI, Rhinovirus infection
The common cold is a self-limiting viral infection of the nose and throat, most often caused by rhinoviruses. Typical features are sneezing, blocked or runny nose, sore throat, mild cough and low-grade malaise, peaking over two to three days and resolving within seven to ten days [1][2]. There is no curative treatment; care is supportive with rest, fluids and simple analgesia, and antibiotics are not indicated for uncomplicated colds [1][2][3]. Medical review is warranted for high or persistent fever, ear pain, breathing difficulty, symptoms lasting beyond ten days, or illness in infants, older adults or people who are immunocompromised [1][2]. In Chinese medicine the common cold is Gǎn Mào 感冒, an exterior invasion of Wind, most commonly Wind-Cold (Fēng Hán 风寒) or Wind-Heat (Fēng Rè 风热), with seasonal variants such as Summer-Heat Dampness. Acupuncture and herbs are traditionally used at the earliest stage to release the exterior, and are adjunctive to standard supportive care and hygiene measures [1][2][4].
Plain-English one-pager you can print or hand to a patient. Free, no sign-in needed.
Lifestyle & Diet
- •Rest during the acute stage and avoid strenuous exercise until fever resolves.
- •Keep hydrated with warm fluids; traditional practice favours warm rather than iced drinks.
- •Wash hands regularly and avoid close contact with vulnerable people while symptomatic [1][2].
- •Avoid smoking and alcohol during recovery.
- •Dress appropriately for the weather and avoid sitting in draughts while sweating.
Cautions & Contraindications
- •Do not needle LU11 or perform plum-blossom tapping in people with bleeding disorders or on anticoagulants without medical clearance.
- •Avoid strong dispersing techniques in frail, elderly or depleted patients; use gentle methods.
- •Gua sha is avoided over broken skin, in bleeding disorders, and explained carefully where bruising would be socially difficult.
- •Acupuncture does not replace medical assessment for red-flag presentations listed above.
When to reassess or seek care again
Review after each treatment during the acute stage; expect an exterior pattern to shift within one to three days. If symptoms worsen, fever persists beyond three days, or the pattern fails to resolve within a week, refer for medical review [1][2]. For recurrent colds, reassess frequency and severity after four to six weeks of preventive treatment.
Explore more diseases
Sources & Further Reading
Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.
- Healthdirect Australia · 2024
- Australian Family Physician (RACGP) · 2014
- NPS MedicineWise · 2023
- PubMed (Cochrane-related evidence summary) · 2013
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency · 2024
Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.