As falling temperatures in northern Taiwan bring more patients into Taipei's hospitals, treating the most common ailment -- the common cold -- can often be simpler than it looks.
In fact, bed rest and plenty of fluids can be more important to treating a mild cold than the variety of colorful pills doctors frequently give patients complaining of a runny nose, sore throat, cough, aching muscles and a fever.
"Most colds are viral ? And if it's viral, you have to wait it out. Muscle relaxers are not going to help," said Renee Cho (
Strokes, middle ear infections, arthritis and hot pot injuries are also very common as the weather gets colder, said ear, nose and throat specialist Lin Chun-cheng (
But colds and flus, which can be either bacterial or viral in origin, strike a wider segment of the population, because they are so easily spread through contact.
Antibiotics, however -- which are commonly prescribed in Taiwan for colds -- can be a mixed blessing.
Antibiotics can clear up bacterial infections such as sore throats in two or three days. But taking a full course of antibiotics is very important, she said.
"The biggest problem with antibiotics is that people stop taking them when they feel better, so the bacteria mutates. And then there'll be no pill to cure it."
Antibiotics, she said, do not themselves cure viral infections.
For a common cold, Cho said she would take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for a fever, throat lozenges for a sore throat -- and, in some cases, over-the-counter cold medications.
"Rest is really important, and drinking fluids and getting enough sleep," she said.
Still, there are some cases in which seeing a doctor can be necessary, she said.
If cold symptoms persist or antibiotics and other medications don't appear to be working, Cho suggested people visit a physician.
Children with prolonged high fevers and adults or children with dehydration or diarrhea should also visit their health care professionals, she said.
Cho said she recommends paying special attention when seeing the doctor, giving a complete history and making special mention of any regular medications or allergies.
"Write everything down," she said.
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