Common cold

Case history

A 30-year-old man presents with a 2-day history of runny nose and sore throat. He feels hot and sweaty, has a mild headache, is coughing up clear sputum, and complains of muscle aches. He would like antibiotics as he was prescribed them last year for similar symptoms. On examination, he is afebrile and has a normal pulse, a slightly inflamed pharynx, and non-tender cervical lymphadenopathy. There is no neck stiffness and his chest is clear. He has tried over-the-counter cough medicines but has not found these helpful. He smokes 10 cigarettes per day.