The common cold generally last for 2-3 days.  Generally common cold is treated at home without any medical assistance by taking ample rest and drinking lots of fluids. Popping any throat lozenges or humidifier can provide you temporary but effective relief. If the fever is severe and last for more than a week you should consult a doctor only when you have chills, nausea or you have difficulty in breathing.

One should visit a doctor immediately in these cases. If the common cold stays for than a week it might be something more serious and bigger than cold it might be influenza or some kind of a bacterial infection which can be fatal if untreated. For instance if you have sore throat, if it’s severe and the pain is unbearable you might have strep throat. If you have prolong cold then doctor would ask you to have throat swab done which helps the doctor understand your throat pattern and accordingly decide the course of treatment for you. Also help you find if you are allergic to some minute particles like pollen, dust like saw dust.

A doctor who would prescribe you the appropriate medicines like you can take ibuprofen or aspirin, which would help you, recover from the symptoms of common cold. Although it helps you recover but has many side effects, aspirin should not be prescribed for children’s.