Brief Answer: Likely viral infection Detailed Answer: Dear patient, Thanks for your query. The constellation of sysmptoms and the season make it very likely that you are suffering from an upper respiratory infection, most likely viral, and indeed contagious. Most of the contagion is through secretions, so appropiate sneezing, coughing and fluid handling techniques with hand washing are key. In terms of medications, all of them intend to treat symptoms and make you feel a bit better until your body gets rid of the infection. For pain, acetaminophen or ibuprofen are recommended; for congestion Benadryl or a similar antihistaminic with a decongestant such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine are great. For cough, dextrometorphan and guaifenesin. Many pills for "cold multisymptoms" contain combinations of these. Things should get better within 72 hours, if there is high fevers, worsening sore throat, or worsening symptoms despite rest and medications, then you should be reassessed as a bacterial infection may be also in the differential Hope that is helpful, wish you the best, Dr Brenes-Salazar MD Mayo Clinic MN

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