Got a cold? Here’s what to know
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 30, 2025) — With the leaves changing and the temperature dropping, it’s officially sniffles season in the Bluegrass.
More accurately, it’s respiratory season. From the beginning of November through the spring, respiratory illnesses like the flu, COVID and the common cold are much more prevalent.
To get you better prepared for a bout with a cold, below are several doctor-approved tips.
What is a cold?
A cold is a viral infection that you can get any time of year, but especially during respiratory season. Common symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough and mild fatigue. Symptoms typically last 7-10 days, and because colds are viral, antibiotics won’t help.
Cold and flu share many of the same symptoms, but the flu is typically more severe. Flu, also called influenza, can often be accompanied by fever and below-the-neck symptoms like muscle and body aches.
What helps fight a cold?
There’s no cure for the cold, but you can ease symptoms:
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Rest and fluids are your top priorities.
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For pain or fever: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).
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For a stuffy nose: Saline spray/rinse or an over-the-counter nasal steroid (e.g., fluticasone).
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For runny nose/congestion: Antihistamine-decongestant options like loratadine-D or cetirizine-D.
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For cough: Honey or cough suppressants with dextromethorphan (DM).
It’s important to wash your hands regularly, avoid sharing drinks, aim to sleep 7-9 hours a night and stay hydrated.
What should I skip?
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Antibiotics (colds are viral)
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High-dose vitamin C, zinc or most herbal remedies (not proven)
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Unnecessary multisymptom combo meds — use them only if you need several symptom relievers
When should I see a doctor?
Contact a health care provider if you have any of the following:
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Fever over 101.5°F (38.5°C) lasting more than three days
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Shortness of breath, chest pain or wheezing
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Severe sore throat or severe ear pain
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Sinus pain lasting more than 10 days
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Symptoms that worsen after initially getting better
I’m a UK student. Can I see a doctor at UK?
Full-time UK students have access to unlimited, free medical visits at University Health Service, the campus medical clinic.
Students can make appointments by calling 859-323-2778 or schedule online through MyChart. For students new to MyChart, setting up an account is easy with just a few simple steps. From medications to appointments, students can access all of their UK HealthCare data in one place.
Most colds resolve on their own. Good self-care and knowing when to seek help will get you through faster while keeping complications at bay.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.