Symptoms of Common Cold
Symptoms of the common cold typically appear within one to three days after exposure to the virus and can range from mild to moderately bothersome. In most cases, common cold symptoms develop gradually and resolve without medical treatment within a week or two.
The most frequent symptoms include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Coughing
- Mild headache
- Fatigue
- Watery eyes
- Low-grade fever (more common in children)
The early stage of a cold often begins with a scratchy or sore throat, followed by nasal congestion and sneezing. Within a day or two, a runny nose becomes more prominent, sometimes accompanied by clear or coloured mucus. A cough may develop as nasal discharge drips into the throat, especially at night.
While a cold may cause mild discomfort, it does not usually lead to serious illness in healthy individuals. However, some people—especially children and the elderly—may also experience muscle aches, reduced appetite, or low energy levels. Infants with a cold may be more irritable, have trouble sleeping, or struggle to feed properly.
Symptoms typically peak within two to three days and then begin to improve. Coughs may linger for a week or longer as the respiratory tract continues to heal. In some cases, a lingering cough may persist for several weeks.
Symptoms of Common Cold
It’s important to distinguish a common cold from more serious illnesses. Unlike flu, the common cold rarely causes a sudden onset of symptoms or high fever. If symptoms worsen or last more than 10–14 days, it may indicate a secondary infection such as sinusitis, bronchitis, or pneumonia.
Red flags to watch for include:
- High fever (especially above 38.5°C)
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe facial pain or swelling
- Earache
- Chest pain
- Green or yellow mucus that lasts more than a week
In summary, symptoms of the common cold are usually mild and self-limiting, but they can vary depending on age, overall health, and the specific virus involved. Knowing what to expect can help guide home treatment and identify when to seek medical advice.
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