Practising consistent hygiene, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and getting vaccinated are the most reliable ways to prevent colds and flu. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a doctor rather than self-medicate.

Blocked nose, throat congestion, and headache are often related to a cold or sinus irritation. Drink warm fluids, try steam inhalation, and get enough rest to ease the congestion. Avoid cold drinks, dust, and smoke that may worsen throat and nasal symptoms. If the symptoms do not improve or worsen, seek medical advice.

A headache with a cold is usually due to a viral infection, such as a common cold or sinus congestion. Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take mild pain relievers or decongestants if needed. See a doctor if the headache is severe, fever develops, or symptoms last more than a week.

Ear pain after a cold is often due to fluid buildup or mild infection in the ear. You can try warm compresses, stay hydrated, and avoid inserting anything into the ear. If the pain is severe, consult a doctor for proper treatment.

Body pain and a cold for 2-3 days are often caused by viral infections like a common cold or flu. Rest, stay hydrated, take light meals, and use over-the-counter pain or cold relief medicines if needed. If symptoms worsen, persist beyond a week, consult a doctor.

Persistent cough and cold even after sinus surgery may be due to ongoing allergy, asthma, post-nasal drip, acid reflux, or incomplete sinus healing rather than infection alone. Since long-term antibiotics have not helped, you should revisit your ENT specialist for re-evaluation and possibly allergy testing or further investigations.

Cough, cold, headache, fever, and shivering are commonly due to a viral infection like the flu. Take rest, plenty of fluids, paracetamol for fever, and symptomatic cold/cough medicines. See a doctor if the fever is high, lasts more than 3 days, or symptoms worsen.

Viral fever does not require antibiotics, as they work only for bacterial infections. You can take rest, fluids, and medicines like paracetamol for fever and anti-cold tablets for symptom relief.

Cold and fever for 2 days are usually viral and improve with rest, fluids, and symptomatic treatment like anti-cold syrup and paracetamol. If fever lasts more than 3 days, becomes high, or you develop severe symptoms, consult a doctor for further evaluation.

The most effective medicine for a runny nose due to a common cold is an antihistamine (such as chlorphenamine), as it helps reduce sneezing and nasal discharge. You can also use a simple saline nasal spray to gently rinse and clear the nasal passages, or steam inhalation to thin the mucus. If congestion is troublesome, a short course of a decongestant (such as phenylephrine) and a mucolytic (such as ambroxol) may help. Always check labels to avoid taking two medicines that contain the same active ingredients.