"If it is cold outside does that mean I will get a cold?"
No. Colds are caused by viruses. However, colder temperatures put a greater strain on the immune system, so you want to be sure to dress appropriately and monitor your overall temperature more closely during cold or wet weather.

"How contagious am I if I go to class with a bad cold?"
If you are sneezing and coughing and producing mucous you are likely to infect those around you especially if you are in a classroom for 40-60 minutes with no fresh air or wind to remove the contaminated air around you. Even breathing in this setting of prolonged exposure is a risk for those around you to get your cold.

"How long should my cold last?"
Usually viral upper respiratory infections last between 5 to 10 days.

"When should I go to the doctor?"
If you have a relentless sore throat which progresses, if the mucous in your nose begins to thicken and remain discolored, if your teeth begin to hurt, if you have a sustained fever or if you have a cough which keeps you up at night you should have your health practitioner evaluate you. If you have asthma or other health problems you should consider early evaluation.

"My mucous is always thick in the morning but it turns watery later in the day."
All mucous is thicker in the morning whether it is viral or bacterial. If the mucous remains thick the rest of the day, this is concerning for a bacterial infection.

"I always get better faster with an antibiotic."
You will find your health care provider more reluctant to give antibiotics for conditions he or she does not truly suspect are bacterial in nature. You may be denied antibiotics and given symptomatic relief.

"I got worse and had to go back to the doctor again. Do I have to pay again?"
Yes. Health care professionals are very good at sorting out viral from bacterial infections but occasionally illnesses change or progress and 'serial examinations' become necessary to give comprehensive care.