Common Cold: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Sateesh Pydi , General Medicine

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

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.

What are the Types of Common Cold?

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

Rhinoviruses: Responsible for nearly 50% of common cold cases.
Coronaviruses: Common cold coronaviruses are different from the virus that causes COVID-19.
Adenoviruses and Enteroviruses: These viruses can also cause cold-like symptoms, particularly in children.

What are the Stages of Common Cold?

The progression of a common cold typically occurs in three stages:

Onset Stage (1-2 Days): Symptoms begin with a scratchy throat, sneezing, and mild fatigue.
Peak Stage (3-5 Days): Nasal congestion, runny nose, and coughing become more noticeable, and fatigue may increase.
Recovery Stage (5-10 Days): Symptoms gradually improve, although a mild cough may persist for a short period.

What are the Symptoms of Common Cold?

The early symptoms of the common cold include a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, and a scratchy sore throat. Because the common cold is very common, most people recognize its early signs and symptoms.

Adults typically experience two to three colds each year. The common cold is a viral illness affecting the upper respiratory tract, and more than 200 viruses can cause it, with rhinoviruses being the most common.

Cold symptoms usually develop one to three days after exposure to a cold-causing virus and rarely appear suddenly.

Nasal Symptoms Include

Sinus pressure
Stuffy nose
Congestion
Loss of smell or taste
Sneezing
Watery nasal secretions
Runny nose
Postnasal drip or drainage in the back of the throat

Head Symptoms Include

Watery eyes
Sore throat
Cough
Swollen lymph nodes
Headache

Whole Body Symptoms Include

Fatigue or general tiredness
Body aches
Chills
Chest discomfort
Difficulty breathing deeply
Low-grade fever below 102F (38.9C)

As the common cold progresses, nasal discharge may become thicker and change from clear to yellow or green. However, this does not always indicate a bacterial infection.

What are the Causes of Common Cold?

Although many viruses can cause the common cold, rhinoviruses are the most common. Cold viruses enter the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can also become infected by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face.

Viruses: Rhinoviruses are the leading cause of the common cold. Other viruses, including coronaviruses and adenoviruses, can also cause similar symptoms.
Person-to-Person Transmission: Cold viruses spread through respiratory droplets released during coughing, sneezing, or talking. Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth can also spread infection.
Weakened Immunity: Children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to developing a common cold.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to cold weather, crowded places, and close contact with infected individuals increases the risk of catching a cold.

When to See a Doctor for Common Cold?

The common cold is usually a mild viral infection that improves within 7 to 10 days with rest, hydration, and supportive care. However, persistent or worsening symptoms may indicate a more serious illness or a secondary bacterial infection. If your symptoms are severe, last longer than expected, or you have underlying medical conditions, consult a General Medicine for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

For Adults

A common cold usually does not require medical attention. However, seek medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Symptoms that worsen or do not improve after several days.
Fever above 101.3F (38.5C) lasting for more than three days.
Recurring fever after initial improvement.
Shortness of breath.
Wheezing or difficulty breathing.
Severe sore throat, persistent headache, or sinus pain.

For Children

Most children recover from a common cold without medical treatment. However, seek immediate medical attention if your child develops any of the following symptoms:

Fever of 100.4F (38C) or higher in newborns.
A rising fever or fever lasting more than two days in children of any age.
Severe symptoms such as persistent headache, sore throat, or continuous cough.
Breathing difficulties or wheezing.
Ear pain.
Extreme irritability or unusual fussiness.
Unusual drowsiness or difficulty waking up.
Loss of appetite or poor feeding.
If your child has persistent or worsening cold symptoms, consult a General Physician for appropriate evaluation and treatment.

Doctors at Medicover can provide appropriate treatment and guidance for viral infections, including the common cold.

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How is Common Cold Diagnosed?

Most cases of the common cold are diagnosed based on symptoms and a physical examination. If symptoms become severe, persist for an extended period, or suggest another illness, your doctor may recommend additional tests.

In some cases, a chest X-ray or other diagnostic tests may be performed to rule out bacterial infections, pneumonia, influenza, or other respiratory conditions.

How is Common Cold Treated?

Although there is no cure for the common cold, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting recovery.

Several over-the-counter medications may help reduce discomfort, including:

Pain Relievers: Acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, help reduce fever, headaches, and body aches.
Decongestants: Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine help relieve nasal congestion.
Antihistamines: Diphenhydramine and similar medications may help reduce sneezing and a runny nose.
Cough Suppressants: Dextromethorphan and codeine help control persistent coughing.
Expectorants: Guaifenesin helps thin and loosen mucus, making it easier to clear.
Nasal Sprays: Decongestant nasal sprays such as Afrin, Sinex, and Nasacort can temporarily relieve nasal blockage.
Cough Syrups: May help relieve persistent cough and throat irritation.

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How is Common Cold Treated at Home?

Although there is no cure for the common cold, several home remedies can help relieve symptoms and support faster recovery.

Effective Home Remedies for the Common Cold

Nasal Washing: Rinsing the nose with a saline solution helps clear mucus, reduce inflammation, and relieve nasal congestion.
Hydration: Drinking plenty of water, herbal teas, and warm broths helps keep mucus thin and prevents dehydration.
Steam Inhalation: Inhaling steam can loosen mucus and soothe irritated airways. Essential oils such as eucalyptus or peppermint may provide additional relief.
Rest: Getting adequate rest and quality sleep allows the immune system to fight the viral infection more effectively.

What are the Risk Factors for Common Cold?

Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing a common cold, including:

Cold weather, rainy seasons, and spending more time indoors where viruses spread more easily.
Children younger than six years, especially those attending daycare or childcare centers.
Close contact with large groups of people, such as during travel, concerts, or public events.
Weakened immunity due to chronic illness or recent infections.
Smoking, which increases both the frequency and severity of common colds.
Inadequate or poor-quality sleep, which weakens the immune system.

How is Common Cold Prevented?

Preventing the common cold involves practicing good hygiene, avoiding exposure to infected individuals, and maintaining a healthy immune system.

Regular handwashing, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, getting enough sleep, and managing stress can all help reduce the risk of catching a cold.

What are the Do's and Don'ts for Common Cold?

Although different viruses can cause the common cold, the symptoms are generally similar, including a sore throat, runny nose, cough, mild fever, body aches, and fatigue. Following these do's and don'ts can help you recover more quickly while reducing the risk of spreading the infection to others.

Do's	Don'ts
Get adequate sleep, exercise daily, and eat nutritious meals.	Take antibiotics.
Drink plenty of water.	Excessively touch your eyes, nose, and mouth.
When coughing or sneezing, cover your nose and mouth with your arm (not your hands).	Share cups, glasses or utensils among family members, especially during peak cold.
Use paper tissues that can be thrown away after usage instead of cotton handkerchiefs to avoid the spread of cold.	Ignore cold symptoms that are becoming worse.
Use effective over-the-counter medications.	Take ineffective medicines.

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

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between common cold and flu?

The common cold and flu are both respiratory illnesses that are less serious and more serious, respectively. Cold symptoms are usually mild, such as a runny nose, sore throat and congestion, while flu symptoms are more severe, including fever, body aches and fatigue. Flu symptoms may be more debilitating, and more deadly complications can result from flu, especially in vulnerable populations.

2. What is the difference between common cold and corona?

The common cold and coronavirus (COVID-19) have some overlapping symptoms, including a cough, sore throat and stuffy nose, but with COVID-19, symptoms tend to be more severe, leading to fever, shortness of breath or loss of taste or smell. COVID-19 This can cause serious illness, whereas the common cold is usually mild and self-limiting. COVID-19 is confirmed only through testing.

3. How to treat common cold at home?

Most case of common cold need rest, proper hydration and over-the-counter medications like simple nasal saline spray, common cold tablets etc to relieve the symptoms. Steam inhalation and throat lozenges can also help relieve congestion and sore throat. For nasal congestion, washing nasal cavities with a saline solution is very effective in the case of common cold.

4. What are the signs and symptoms of common cold?

Common cold symptoms include runny noses, sore throats, congestion, cough, mild headache and sneezing. Unlike the flu, fever is rare, and symptoms are usually mild and resolve after a week to 10 days.

5. How does the common cold spread?

The common cold is transmitted through respiratory droplets generated when a person with the virus coughs or sneezes. It can also transmit through touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face particularly the eyes, nose or mouth. Being in close contact with an infected person can lead to transmission.

6. How to treat common cold in infants?

Treating a common cold in infants involves keeping them hydrated with breast milk or formula, using a humidifier to reduce congestion and saline nasal drops, followed by gentle suction to remove mucus from the nose. Infants have unique care requirements, so always check with a pediatrician before administering any over-the-counter medications.

7. What is the common cold incubation period?

The incubation period for the common cold is usually 1 to 3 days following infection with the virus. An infected person can start spreading the virus during this time, and before developing symptoms.

8. Why do children and babies get more colds?

The common cold can be more severe in very young children and babies, because their immune systems are still developing and they are often exposed to a lot of germs at school or daycare. They are more inclined to interact with infected people with a less mature immune response to combat viruses.