A viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract is the common cold. The rhinovirus is the most frequent cause; sneezing, a scratchy, painful throat, and a stuffy or runny nose are the most prevalent symptoms.
Sneezing, scratchy, sore throat, and stuffy or runny nose are the first telltale symptoms of the common cold. Because the common cold is so widespread, most people are able to identify these early symptoms quickly.
A viral infection of the upper respiratory tract causes the common cold. There are more than 200 viruses that can cause a cold. Rhinoviruses are the most widespread.
These viruses can travel quickly from surface to surface or from person to person. Numerous viruses have an hours or even days of viability on surfaces.
Even though you may be familiar with the common cold, there are some things you should know about it to help you feel better, stay healthy in the future, or even stop the virus from spreading to other people.
We’ve collaborated with Clorox® to bring you this post on common cold remedies.
What are the symptoms of a cold?
Once you‘re exposed to a cold-causing virus, cold symptoms typically take 1 to 3 days to appear. The symptoms of a cold rarely appear suddenly.
Nasal symptoms include:
- Congestion
- Sinus pressure
- Runny nose
- Stuffy nose
- Loss of smell or taste
- Sneezing
- Watery nasal secretions
- Postnasal drip or drainage in the back of your throat
Symptoms of the head include:
- Watery eyes
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Swollen lymph nodes
Symptoms affecting the entire body include:
- Fatigue or general tiredness
- Chills
- Body aches
- Low-grade fever below 102°f (38.9°c)
- Chest discomfort
- Difficulty breathing deeply
Symptoms of a cold typically last for 7 to 10 daysTrusted Source. Symptoms tend to peak around day 5 and gradually improve.
However, if your symptoms worsen after a week or haven’t disappeared after about 10 days, you may have another condition, and it may be time to see a doctor.
What’s the difference between a cold and the flu?
The common cold and the flu may seem very similar at first. They are indeed both respiratory illnesses and can cause similar symptoms. However, different viruses cause these two conditions, and your symptoms will help you differentiate between the two.
Knowing the difference between cold and flu symptoms can help you decide how to treat your condition — and whether you need to see a doctor.
