Management and Treatment
The median duration of symptoms is ~1 week (range, 2–10 days).
Secondary bacterial infections complicate 0.5–2% of colds and are associated with a prolonged course and/or increased severity of illness, often with localization of signs and symptoms.
Purulent nasal and throat secretions are poor predictors of bacterial infection.
Treatment: Symptom-based treatment (e.g., with decongestants, NSAIDs) is typically all that is required.
Antibiotics are not indicated.