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Cold
For minor symptoms:

• Take rest and drink plenty of fluids.
• Take pain relievers: ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen (do not use aspirin for children under 16).
• Take a decongestant such as Sudafed to relieve nasal congestion, but do not use if you have high blood pressure.
• Take a cough suppressant such as Robitussin DM for hacking cough.

See your health care clinician if:

• Cold or cough lingers more than one week.
• Fever persists for more than a few days.
• You have painful breathing or shortness of breath.
• You have discolored mucous.
• You have severe headache or sinus pain.

Cold Sores or Fever Blisters
For minor symptoms:

• Apply ice for 5-10 minutes to reduce pain
• Apply topical agents such as Herpecin-L® or Campho-phenique® for comfort.
• Use moisturizers such as Blistex® to hasten healing.
• Take pain relievers: ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen (do not use aspirin for children under 16).
• Be patient: cold sores usually go away in 7-10 days
• Be cautious: cold sores may be due to herpes simplex virus and may be contagious

See your health care clinician if:

• Sores are excessive or do not heal.
• Pain prevents you from eating or drinking.
• You have severe or frequently recurring sores.

Constipation
For minor symptoms:

• Increase dietary fiber and fluid intake.
• Take a stool softener such as Colace or fiber product as Metamucil®.
• DO NOT use laxatives, such as Ex-Lax, regularly.
• Increase activity and exercise.

See your health care clinician if:

• Cold or cough lingers more than one week.
• Condition persists for several days.
• You have a fever.
• You experience stomach cramping, bloating, rectal bleeding or nausea.

Cuts and Scrapes
For minor symptoms:

• Wash thoroughly with soap and warm water.
• Stop any bleeding by applying direct pressure.
• Keep area clean and dry.

See your health care clinician if:

• Wound is deep.
• You cut yourself on something rusty or dirty.
• Bleeding won't stop.
• Red streak appears around wound.
• Wound doesn't heal.
• You haven't had a tetanus booster in 10 years.

Diarrhea or Vomiting
For minor symptoms:

• Rest and sip clear fluids such as ginger ale, Gatorade® or broth.
• Eat light foods such as crackers or toast.
• If diarrhea persists, take Imodium A-D.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

See your health care clinician if:

• Symptoms last more than two days.
• Fluids won't stay down.
• You experience high fever or dizziness.
• There is blood in stool.
• You have diarrhea during the night.