You could also transmit a cold virus. If you are down with a heavy cold here's how you can avoid spreading it. Wash your hands often, especially after blowing your nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when you sneeze or cough. Rhinovirus and coronavirus cause 70-80% of most colds. Once they enter your body it takes 1-4 days for the symptoms to show. (But you can pass on the germ even without showing any symptoms yourself-one reason why colds are so hard to prevent). Increasing your Vitamin C intake is a good way of building up resistance.

Relief measures ::
Vasoconstrictor nasal drops or steam inhalations help ease stuffiness of the nose. Petroleum jelly on the skin under the nose helps soothe rawness. Analgesic can be taken for accompanying fever and aches. Rest as much as possible. Drink plenty of clear fluids. Avoid smoking as this will cause further irritation. Gargle with warm water.

A cold usually lasts 7-14 days. You must consult your doctor as complications of secondary infections like sinusitis, ear infection, laryngitis or bronchitis may develop.