Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptoms of a ColdCold, Flu, or COVID-19?How Long Does It Last?TreatmentIs a Cold Contagious?When to Seek Medical CareComplicationsPreventionNext in Cold GuideHow Long Do Cold Symptoms Last?
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms of a Cold
Cold, Flu, or COVID-19?
How Long Does It Last?
Treatment
Is a Cold Contagious?
When to Seek Medical Care
Complications
Prevention
Next in Cold Guide
Thecommon coldis a respiratory viral infection. It is one of the most common illnesses, with adults contracting around two to three colds yearly—kids contract even more.
A cold is generally a mild infection that resolves in a few weeks with rest and plenty of fluids. However, a cold can become more serious, developing intopneumoniaorbronchitis. This is more common in people with underlying health conditions, likeasthma.
This article explains a common cold’s symptoms, treatment, and possible complications.
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As a respiratory virus, colds have symptoms that affect your nasal passages, lungs, and throat. Common cold symptoms include:
Most people do not experience afeverwith a cold, although it is possible to have one. More than 200virusescause a cold, but rhinovirus is the most common culprit.
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Cold vs. Flu vs. COVID-19
Headaches,body aches,fatigue, breathing difficulties, vomiting, or diarrhea indicate that you may be experiencing theflu or COVID-19instead of a cold. In addition, if you also have a loss of taste or smell, you may have a COVID-19 infection.
Do I Have a Cold or COVID?
How Long Does a Cold Last?
Colds generally last for one to two weeks. Symptoms usually worsen on the second and third day, then gradually improve.
How long your cold lastsdepends on your overall health and if you have underlying health conditions or a weakened immune system. These factors could make the illness last longer or put you at a higher risk for complications.
How to Get Over a Cold Quickly
While colds can last up to two weeks, there are some things you can do toget rid of itor help yourself feel better. Unfortunately,antibiotics, which fight bacterial infections, don’t help a coldbecause viruses cause colds. In addition, there is no cure; your cold must run its course.
The primary treatment for colds is to get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Some other things may help you feel more comfortable, including:
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Over-the-Counter (OTC) Cold Medicine and KidsBe especially careful with OTCchildren’s cold medicines. Experts do not recommend them for kids under age 2 because they can cause serious, life-threatening side effects.Avoid these medicines until kids are older than 4.Instead, keep kids hydrated and use humidifiers and saline nose drops. You can use acetaminophen and ibuprofen for aches and fevers with guidance on dosage from a healthcare provider.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Cold Medicine and Kids
Be especially careful with OTCchildren’s cold medicines. Experts do not recommend them for kids under age 2 because they can cause serious, life-threatening side effects.Avoid these medicines until kids are older than 4.Instead, keep kids hydrated and use humidifiers and saline nose drops. You can use acetaminophen and ibuprofen for aches and fevers with guidance on dosage from a healthcare provider.
Be especially careful with OTCchildren’s cold medicines. Experts do not recommend them for kids under age 2 because they can cause serious, life-threatening side effects.Avoid these medicines until kids are older than 4.
Instead, keep kids hydrated and use humidifiers and saline nose drops. You can use acetaminophen and ibuprofen for aches and fevers with guidance on dosage from a healthcare provider.
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How Long Is a Cold Contagious?
Colds are very contagious. They are transmitted through the air and close, personal contact.Colds are most contagious during the first few days of symptoms.
The best way to avoid spreading your cold to others is to avoid spending time near people when you are sick, especially people with compromised immune systems and lung diseases like asthma.Cover your nose and mouth with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands frequently.
Do You Need to See a Healthcare Provider for a Cold?
Colds are often mild, and most people do not require medical attention for a cold; they usually resolve quickly and without complications. However, sometimes colds can develop into something more serious.
If you or your child experiences the following, you should see a healthcare provider:
In addition, if you have certain underlying medical conditions predisposing you to complications, likeasthmaorlung disease, or areimmunocompromised, you should take extra care to watch for early signs of complications and be in touch with a healthcare provider.
Secondary Complications From a Cold
Cold viruses can pave the way for other infections to enter the body. Complications associated with the common cold include:
Complications from a cold can happen to anyone, but they are more common in older people, children, people with lung disease, and those who are immunocompromised.
How to Prevent a Cold
While you can’t always prevent catching a cold, there are some ways to lessen the chances. Prevention strategies include:
There isno vaccine for the common cold. Since so many viruses can cause the common cold and strains change frequently, developing a vaccine for the cold is difficult.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Common cold.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Common cold.National Institute on Aging.Is it a cold, the flu, or COVID-19?.American Lung Association.Facts about the common cold.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Should you give kids medicine for coughs and colds?.Passioti M, Maggina P, Megremis S, Papadopoulos NG.The common cold: potential for future prevention or cure.Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2014;14(2):413. doi:10.1007/s11882-013-0413-5
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Common cold.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Common cold.National Institute on Aging.Is it a cold, the flu, or COVID-19?.American Lung Association.Facts about the common cold.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Should you give kids medicine for coughs and colds?.Passioti M, Maggina P, Megremis S, Papadopoulos NG.The common cold: potential for future prevention or cure.Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2014;14(2):413. doi:10.1007/s11882-013-0413-5
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Common cold.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Common cold.National Institute on Aging.Is it a cold, the flu, or COVID-19?.American Lung Association.Facts about the common cold.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Should you give kids medicine for coughs and colds?.Passioti M, Maggina P, Megremis S, Papadopoulos NG.The common cold: potential for future prevention or cure.Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2014;14(2):413. doi:10.1007/s11882-013-0413-5
MedlinePlus.Common cold.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Common cold.
National Institute on Aging.Is it a cold, the flu, or COVID-19?.
American Lung Association.Facts about the common cold.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Should you give kids medicine for coughs and colds?.
Passioti M, Maggina P, Megremis S, Papadopoulos NG.The common cold: potential for future prevention or cure.Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2014;14(2):413. doi:10.1007/s11882-013-0413-5
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