Common Cold: Causes and Symptoms

The common cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract, primarily the nose and throat. It is one of the most widespread illnesses, with adults experiencing 2-3 colds annually on average.

These viruses can quickly transfer from one person to another or from one surface to another. Many of these viruses may survive for hours, if not days, on surfaces. While you may be familiar with the common cold, there are several things you should know about it that can help you feel better, avoid future colds, and even prevent the virus from spreading to others.

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Common Cold vs Flu

The common cold and seasonal flu (influenza) are both respiratory illnesses that are caused by viruses, but they differ in severity, symptoms, and recovery times. Knowing these differences is critical to appropriate management and treatment.

The common cold is typically caused by rhinoviruses and is characterized by less serious symptoms. It can start with a sore throat, then move on to nasal congestion, sneezing and a runny nose. A mild cough or fatigue may be present but fever is rare. Symptoms are usually mild and resolve in 5-7 days with rest, hydration and over the counter treatments.

Influenza viruses cause the flu and it tends to be more severe. Symptoms develop quickly, beginning with a high fever, chills, body aches, fatigue and a dry, persistent cough. Flu symptoms, such as headaches and chest discomfort, are more common than with a cold. The flu can cause complications like pneumonia if left untreated, especially for young children, older adults or people with weakened immune systems.

Types of Common Cold

There are over 200 viruses that can cause a common cold, with the most common types being:

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Common Cold Stages

The progression of a cold typically occurs in three stages:

Common Cold Symptoms​

The early common cold symptoms​ include a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, and a scratchy, sore throat. Because the common cold is so common, most people are able to recognise the early signs and symptoms. 

Adults, on average, get two to three colds every year. The common cold is a viral illness that affects the upper respiratory tract. There are around 200 viruses that can cause a cold. Rhinoviruses are the most frequent.

Cold symptoms usually occur 1 to 3 days after being exposed to a cold-causing virus. The symptoms of a cold rarely appear suddenly.

Nasal symptoms include

Head symptoms include

Whole body symptoms include

As a common cold progresses, the discharge from your nose may become clear and thicker, turning yellow or green. But this isn't always indicative of a bacterial illness.

Common Cold Causes

Although a cold can be caused by various viruses; rhinoviruses are the most prevalent cause. When someone ill coughs, and sneezes, the cold virus enters your body through your lips, eyes, or nose (the virus can spread through droplets in the air). You might get cold by contacting infected things and surfaces and touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

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Common Cold Risk factors

Certain factors can make you more susceptible to a cold. These include the following:

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Common Cold Diagnosis

A normal cold does not necessitate a visit to the doctor. However, you should contact your doctor if the symptoms intensify or don't go away.

Most persons with a common cold may be identified based on their symptoms. Your doctor may request a chest X-ray or other tests to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms if they feel you have a bacterial infection or another ailment.

Common Cold Treatment

Although there is no one cure for the common cold, combining treatments may help to lessen the symptoms.

Pain relievers and nasal sprays are commonly used in over-the-counter cold treatments. Some are available on their own. These include the following:

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Common Cold Treatment at Home

While there is no cure for the cold, several common cold treatments can help alleviate symptoms and speed up recovery.

Effective Home Remedies for the Common Cold

Common Cold Prevention

Prevention methods include frequent handwashing, avoiding contact with cold carriers, and boosting the immune system through healthy diet and lifestyle.

By practicing these common cold self-care methods, you can alleviate symptoms at home and bounce back quickly while minimizing the risk of infecting others.

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Do’s and Don’ts

Although various viruses can cause the common cold, the symptoms are the same sore throat, runny nose, lethargy, cough, mild fever, and body pains. You'll probably have two to four colds every year if you're an adult. Colds are one of the most prevalent illnesses in our patients, so it's crucial to know the do’s and don'ts of having one.

Take care of yourself, sleep well, and rest to recover faster.

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When to see a doctor?

Cold symptoms usually last 7 to 10 days. Symptoms usually peak around day five and then improve gradually. However, if the symptoms worsen after a week or don't go away after ten days, you may have a different problem and should visit a doctor.

For adults: A common cold usually does not need medical care. However, patients should get medical help if they have any of the following symptoms:

For children

In general, the child does not need to see a doctor if they have a regular cold. However, if the kid develops any of the following symptoms, get medical help immediately away

Doctors at Medicover can help you get the right treatment for any Viral diseases and infections.

Find Common Cold Specialists here

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Common Cold Care at Medicover

We have the best team of general physicians and specialists at Medicover who treat Common Cold and its severe symptoms. Our highly trained physicians use the most up-to-date diagnostic techniques and procedures to run tests, diagnose, and treat the common cold in adults and infants. Our experts work closely with the patients to monitor their health and treatment progress to achieve a faster and more sustained recovery.