Rhinopharyngitis (common cold): consult a doctor by instant messaging

Common cold: consult online without an appointment

Rhinopharyngitis is an acute, mild viral infection that causes symptoms in the upper respiratory tract (the lining of the throat, sinuses and nose). Commonly known as the common cold, this respiratory illness is just as frequent in infants and children as in adults.

Common cold: definition, symptoms, duration

Rhinopharyngitis is an acute, mild viral infection that causes symptoms in the upper respiratory tract (the lining of the throat, sinuses and nose). Commonly known as the common cold, this respiratory illness is just as frequent in infants and children as in adults. There are many respiratory viruses responsible for this illness (coronavirus, adenovirus, metapneumovirus, etc.), which are mainly transmitted via the hands of an infected person, through contact with nasal secretions. The diagnosis is usually made quickly in the presence of characteristic signs. These symptoms generally begin 1 to 3 days after infection:
 • Irritation, a sore throat;
 • Nasal discomfort;
 • Sneezing;
 • A runny nose (rhinorrhoea): the secretions are at first clear and watery and become bothersome due to their abundance. They eventually become cloudy, thicker, and turn a yellow-greenish colour;
 • A mild cough can appear in many patients;
 • A feeling of general malaise, fatigue, headaches;
 • A mild fever sometimes accompanies the start of the infection, though this is not common.
Generally, the infection lasts between 4 and 10 days, even though the cough can persist a little longer. The illness can sometimes last longer in the event of complications. For example, rhinovirus infections are often behind asthma flare-ups in asthmatic patients. In addition, it is not uncommon for a cold to worsen and lead to a bacterial infection of the sinuses and middle ear (sinusitis and otitis media). These complications can be explained by nasal congestion, which prevents the normal drainage of secretions: bacteria then multiply inside the upper respiratory tract. Treatment for a cold therefore depends on the symptoms. It is often recommended to stay at home and rest. Doctors may prescribe paracetamol, decongestant medications and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen) to relieve symptoms. Antibiotics, on the other hand, are of no use.

Causes: how do you catch a cold?

Rhinopharyngitis is caused in 50% of cases by infection with a rhinovirus, of which there are no fewer than 100 subtypes. Most commonly, colds caused by rhinoviruses appear in autumn and spring. Coronaviruses, also responsible for Covid, can also cause a cold or flu. Incidentally, the terms hay fever or seasonal rhinitis are sometimes used to refer to the allergic reaction caused by pollen. That said, many other viruses (adenovirus, coronavirus, metapneumovirus, enterovirus, etc.) can be responsible for the common cold throughout the year. In most cases, contamination occurs through contact with the nasal secretions on the hands of an infected person. The viruses are indeed present in these secretions. When a person touches their eyes, nose or mouth, the viruses then enter the body, causing the illness. More rarely, contamination occurs by inhaling air containing droplets from an infected person. Generally, a cold is most contagious in the first 2 to 3 days after symptoms appear. Susceptibility to colds is, moreover, not increased by the following factors:
 • Age: children or elderly people are not necessarily more affected, even though treatment must be adjusted according to age;
 • Cold weather;
 • Dietary habits;
 • General health;
 • Or a dysfunction of the throat or nose (adenoids, enlarged tonsils, etc.).
The general practitioner will assess the symptoms during an in-office or remote consultation. The presence of other symptoms, such as a high fever, a skin rash, significant headaches (migraines), chest pain or breathing difficulties, is often a sign that another infection is present. It is generally not necessary to carry out additional tests to diagnose a cold. In the event of complications, or if there is a risk of complications, the doctor may consider prescribing a chest X-ray and blood tests.

Treatment and prevention: how do you treat a cold?

Regarding prevention, no effective vaccine has yet been developed. This is because the viruses that can cause a cold are extremely numerous. Above all, these viruses undergo slight changes over time, which makes producing an effective vaccine difficult. Good hygiene therefore remains the best preventive measure against the common cold. Since cold viruses are mainly transmitted through contact with the nasal secretions of an infected person, a few simple habits can help:
 • Wash your hands frequently: whether infected or not, at work, at home, etc.;
 • Use single-use tissues when sneezing and coughing;
 • If possible, isolate sick people from those who are not infected, for example in a separate room;
 • To avoid passing the infection to others, it is advisable to stay at home while you continue to cough, blow your nose and sneeze;
 • Clean surfaces, living areas or shared objects to reduce the risk of spreading cold viruses.
Despite their popularity, zinc, echinacea or high-dose vitamin C (more than 2000 mg per day) have no curative or preventive effect on the common cold; citrus fruits are no more effective either. Finally, the doctor may prescribe various treatments aimed at relieving symptoms:
 • Using a cool-mist humidifier to help clear secretions;
 • Antivirals and antibiotics are of no use;
 • Over-the-counter medications, which do not cure the infection but can relieve symptoms: decongestants, antihistamines, paracetamol and NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen) for pain and fever, cough syrups, etc. These medications are most often combined.

How long does a cold last?

Generally, a cold lasts between 7 and 10 days. A viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, the common cold affects the nose and throat and causes symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat and sometimes a mild cough. Most often, a cold does not require any specific medical treatment and clears up on its own. It is, however, important to drink plenty of fluids and to rest well. In addition, symptoms can be relieved with over-the-counter nasal decongestants, an air humidifier and throat lozenges. However, if a cold lasts more than 10 days, or if symptoms worsen, it is advisable to consult a doctor without an appointment, particularly if there is a high fever. A cold can indeed also mask a bacterial infection or other health problems.

Online consultation, diagnosis and prescription

Colds are caused by many viruses, most of which are rhinoviruses. They are in fact responsible for 50% of colds. Exposure to cold weather, dietary factors, general health, or abnormalities of the upper respiratory tract are not risk factors for the common cold. There is no vaccine to date, and treatments include:
 • Topical and oral decongestants, to relieve nasal obstruction
 • Paracetamol or NSAIDs (such as aspirin or ibuprofen) to relieve pain or fever;
 • Antihistamines: they are contraindicated in babies and should be used with caution in children under 4 and in the elderly. They aim to relieve a runny nose but offer only minimal benefit;
 • To avoid passing the infection to others, it is advisable to stay at home while you continue to cough, blow your nose and sneeze;
 • Cough syrups to relieve or stop coughing.
To reduce time spent in the waiting room, and above all to make care easier to access, Feeli enables an online consultation with a general practitioner in under 24 hours. The platform's doctors are all qualified healthcare professionals. A fast diagnosis and the issuing of an online prescription will ensure you receive proper medical care. And above all, you can stay warm and cosy while waiting for your prescription and treatment. Don't wait for your cold to progress and risk a complication (sinusitis, risk of otitis, flu, Covid, etc.): it's best to consult a general practitioner as soon as symptoms appear. A cold can indeed be mistaken for other illnesses such as flu or Covid. Take care of your health!