A common cold is a mild viral infection of the nose, throat, sinuses and upper airways. It is one of the most frequently experienced acute illnesses in the United States and throughout the industrialized world. Adults will develop roughly two to three colds per year.^[1]

The symptoms of a cold include coughing, sneezing, a sore throat and a runny or blocked nose. In most cases, a person experiencing a cold will have no need to visit a doctor, as the symptoms will typically clear up on their own in up to 10 days. Management techniques for the common cold include methods such as rest and hydration.

Common cold symptoms

The symptoms of a cold tend to develop quickly, usually within a few days of an individual becoming infected.

The most commonly experienced symptoms of a cold include:^[2]

Coughing
Sneezing
A sore throat
A runny or blocked nose
A hoarse voice
Malaise ( a feeling of general discomfort and illness, which should to be confused with general fatigue)

Less common symptoms of a cold include:

Fever (37-39 C / 98.6-102.2 F)
Headache
Earache
A feeling of pressure in the ears and face
Muscle pain

The symptoms of a cold will usually begin to fade within a few days and clear up completely after roughly a week to 10 days. Colds will generally last longer (10-14 days) in children under five years old.

When to see a doctor?

In most cases, a cold will not require visiting a doctor. However, medical attention should be sought in the following cases:

Symptoms do not disappear after three-weeks
Symptoms suddenly worsen
Breathing becomes difficult

Common cold causes

There is a large range of viruses that can cause a cold. Most colds are caused by a group of viruses known as rhinoviruses, of which there are over a 100 different types.^[3]

After having a cold, the affected person becomes immune to that particular virus strain. However, due to the large amount of cold-causing viruses, many people still experience an average of two to three colds per year. As children tend to spend a large amount of time in close contact with other children and are less aware of the methods of preventing a cold, they are prone to experiencing an average of 8-12 colds per year.

Colds are normally spread through hand-to-hand contact and less commonly through coughing, sneezing or touching a surface that has been exposed to the virus.

Diagnosing a common cold

Most people will be able to self-diagnose a cold by recognizing the symptoms being experienced. This will also be the case if a doctor is consulted, though this will not be necessary in most cases. If a complication is suspected, various tests may be ordered (such as an X-ray). If you think your symptoms may be those of the common cold.

Common cold treatment

A cold will typically remedy itself in up to 10 days. During this time, the symptoms of a cold can be managed through a combination of self-care techniques and over-the-counter medications. These methods, however, will not shorten the duration of the cold.^[4]

Self care

To help manage the symptoms of a cold, the following things may be effective:

Adequate fluid intake
Getting plenty of rest
Eating healthily; a diet high in fibre, fruit and vegetables is recommended
Stopping smoking

Over-the-counter medications

The following medications are generally available from a pharmacy without requiring a prescription. The information leaflet that accompanies the product should always be read before use and their guidelines should be followed.^[5]

Painkillers: Ibuprofen and paracetamol/acetaminophen may be effective for the relief of a fever and as general pain relief. Children may be given painkillers, though age-appropriate versions (usually available from pharmacies) are generally advised. Children should never be given paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time. Some people prefer to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) medications such as aspirin to help relieve the symptoms of a cold. Under no circumstances should a child 12 years or younger be given these medications.
Decongestants: Oral or spray decongestants may be effective in relieving a runny or blocked nose and help ease breathing problems. They should not be taken by children under 6, and only on the advise of a doctor in children under 12. The effects of decongestants only last for a short period and should not be used for over a week.
Cold medicines: All-in-one cold medicines generally include a combination of painkillers and decongestants, making them effective at relieving a variety of cold symptoms. Generally, these medicines should not be taken in combination with any other medication.
Lozenges: Oral lozenges help to lubricate the lining of the throat, making them effective at relieving a sore throat.
Vapor rubs: Applied to the chest and back, vapor rubs can help a child breathe more easily. Although less commonly used, they may also be effective for adults.

Common cold complications

In the majority of cases, a cold will clear up without complications. However, a cold can lead to a weakened immune system, which can cause infection to spread into other areas. If this occurs, the following complications are possible.^[6]

Sinusitis

One of the more frequently experienced complications of a cold, occuring in roughly 1 in 50 people,^[7] sinusitis is an infection of the cavities behind the forehead and cheekbones, typically caused by a virus. It is also possible to have bacterial sinusitis.

Symptoms of sinusitis include:

Sinus headaches (pain and tenderness around the forehead, nose and cheeks)
Runny or blocked nose
Fever (above 38 C / 100.4 F)

Sinusitis will usually resolve itself. If symptoms persist for longer than a week, a doctor should be consulted. If you think that you or someone you know has sinusitis.

Middle ear infection

The development of a middle ear infection (otitis media) following a cold is most common in children. It is typically caused by bacterial infection.

Signs and symptoms of a middle ear infection include:

Pain in the ear (earache) (parents should look out for children pulling or tugging on the ear)
Fever (above 38 C / 100.4 F)
Temporary hearing loss
Fatigue
Vomiting

A middle ear infection will generally clear up naturally within a few days. If symptoms persist for longer than a few days or repeated infections are experienced, a doctor should be consulted. If you’re worried that you or a child you care for may have an ear infection, You can search for nearest doctor Find my doctor.

Chest infection

Chest infections, also called lower respiratory tract infections, may develop following a cold. The most common of these are bronchitis and pneumonia.

Typical symptoms of a chest infection include:

Coughing
Bringing up phlegm
Shortness of breath

Generally, a chest infection will resolve naturally. If the following symptoms occur, a doctor should be consulted, as they may indicate that a bacterial infection, requiring antibiotics, is being experienced:

Severe cough
High temperature
Confusion or disorientation
Pain in the chest
Blood in the phlegm
Symptoms last for longer than three weeks

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have a chest infection, contact your doctor Find My doctor location.

Common cold prevention

The viruses that cause colds are typically spread through the tiny droplets released when someone with a cold coughs or sneezes. This may happen when a person inhales these droplets after they have been released into the air, or, more typically, through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person (droplets are most likely to be present on the hands) or through contact with a contaminated surface or object.^[8]

To help prevent the development of a cold, the following measures are advised:^[9]

Keeping the hands clean by washing them often with soap and water
Avoiding unnecessary touching of the eyes, nose and mouth
Staying away from people with a cold

People who already have a cold should avoid spreading the virus by taking the following steps:

Staying home from work or school
Avoiding close contact with others (shaking hands, kissing, etc)
Completely covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
Washing the hands after coughing or sneezing

Common cold FAQs

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. “Common cold.” August, 2016. Accessed December 4, 2017. ↩
NHS Choices. “Common cold – Symptoms.” April 30, 2015. Accessed December 4, 2017. ↩
UpToDate. “Patient education: The common cold in adults (Beyond the Basics).” March 1, 2016. Accessed December 4, 2017. ↩
NHS Choices. “Common cold – Treatment.” April 30, 2015. Accessed December 7, 2017. ↩
Patient. “Common Cold.” November 10, 2016. Accessed December 7, 2017. ↩
Common Cold. “Complications.” Accessed December 4, 2017. ↩
NHS Choices. “Common cold – Complications.” April 30, 2015. Accessed December 7, 2017. ↩
NHS Choices. “Common cold – Overview.” April 30, 2015. Accessed December 7, 2017. ↩
CDC. “Common Colds: Protect Yourself and Others.” February 6, 2017. Accessed December 7, 2017. ↩
NHS Choices. “Cold or flu?” September 1, 2017. Accessed December 7, 2017. ↩
MSD Manual. “Common Cold.” April, 2014. Accessed December 7, 2017. ↩

**Q: What⁢ is the common cold?**

**A:** The ‌common cold is ‌a viral infection of the nose and throat. It ⁣is caused by more than 100 ⁣different types of viruses, the most⁤ common being rhinoviruses. The cold virus spreads through contact with⁢ respiratory⁢ droplets from an infected person, either through direct contact or by touching something that‍ has ⁤been contaminated with the virus⁤ and then touching your face.

**Q: What are ⁤the symptoms of the common cold?**

**A:** The symptoms⁣ of the common cold vary from person to person, but may⁤ include:

*‍ Runny nose

* Stuffy⁣ nose

* Sneezing

* Sore throat

* Coughing

*‍ Headache

* Body aches

* Fatigue

* Low-grade fever

**Q:⁣ How is the common cold diagnosed?**

**A:** The common cold is typically⁣ diagnosed based on your symptoms. Your doctor‍ may also perform a physical exam to⁤ check for signs of infection.

**Q: How is the common cold treated?**

**A:** There ‌is no cure for the common cold, but treatment can help to⁤ relieve symptoms. Treatments may include:

* Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as‌ acetaminophen or ibuprofen

* ⁤Decongestants

* Cough suppressants

* Rest

* Fluids

**Q:⁤ How can I prevent the common cold?**

**A:** There is no guaranteed way to prevent the common cold, but there are⁢ some steps you can take to ‍reduce your⁤ risk:

* Wash your hands frequently⁣ with soap ⁣and ⁢water.

* Avoid touching your face.

* Stay away from people who are sick.

*⁣ Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

* Clean and ⁣disinfect surfaces that may have been contaminated with the virus.

**Q: When should I see a doctor?**

**A:** ⁣You should see a doctor if you have a cold and:

* Your symptoms are ⁤severe or getting worse.

* You have a fever that ⁤lasts more than 3 days.

* You have a headache that is severe ‌or does not go away.

* You‍ have shortness of breath or chest pain.

* ⁣You ⁤are vomiting or have diarrhea.

* You have a⁣ weakened immune system.

What is Common Cold?