The common cold is a viral infection of your nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). It's usually harmless, although it might not feel that way. Many types of viruses can cause a common cold. Show
Healthy adults can expect to have two or three colds each year. Infants and young children may have even more frequent colds. Most people recover from a common cold in a week or 10 days. Symptoms might last longer in people who smoke. Generally, you don't need medical attention for a common cold. However, if symptoms don't improve or if they get worse, see your doctor. Products & Services
SymptomsSymptoms of a common cold usually appear one to three days after exposure to a cold-causing virus. Signs and symptoms, which can vary from person to person, might include:
The discharge from your nose may start out clear and become thicker and yellow or green as a common cold runs its course. This doesn't usually mean you have a bacterial infection. When to see a doctorFor adults — generally, you don't need medical attention for a common cold. However, seek medical attention if you have:
For children — in general, your child doesn't need to see his or her doctor for a common cold. But seek medical attention right away if your child has any of the following:
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Email ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Noticed that half of the people you work with have come down with some form of general grogginess, sneezing or runny nose? Like you're no doubt aware, cold season is very much here – and with it, your questions about just how long the annoying thing will plague you for. Of course, your symptoms could be COVID-19, rather than the common cold. Read the latest NHS guidance on what to do if you think you could have the virus, here. So, let's get to it. Just how long do the stages of a cold last—and when should you seek medical advice? WH asked pharmacist Raj Patel what you should expect during the stages of a cold and exactly how to minimise the common cold stages, day-by-day. How do cold symptoms differ from flu symptoms?So you think you feel those groggy symptoms coming on, but can’t figure out whether it’s a cold or the full-blown flu? Watch out for the following tell tale signs that indicate it is flu that you're dealing with:
How long should a cold last?There's not one precise answer for this, as everyone is unique. However, there is a common thread between symptoms and how long they go on. Want to know how many days a cold should last? These common cold stages should help you work out where you are in the life cycle of your cold. The stages of a cold:Days 1-2Days one to two and you don’t even think to Google ‘Common Cold stages’, as you feel absolutely fine. Essentially, in the first few days of a common cold, there are no symptoms to warn you’ve been infected. But the progression of a cold day by day is coming... Days 2-3Come days two and three, you’ll start to feel a bit tired and sneezy, your body may ache and you’ll likely have an odd tickle or soreness in your throat that you just can’t shift. The progression of a cold can be quick, and, if you’re experiencing these symptoms, it looks like you’ve got the bug (literally). Get straight into bed to try to prevent your symptoms progressing onto the next stage… Tea and toast for one. Days 3-4Eating dinner? Stop reading now. Days three to four are the part where you’re bunged up and your nose is running like a tap – it’s not nice as the colour changes from clear to thick greenish yellow. Nice. Whilst progression of a cold day-by-day is hard to pinpoint, Patel advises trying an over-the-counter decongestant to help open up your blocked airways. Warm steam inhalation (like in a hot shower or a good old Vicks VapoRub) can also ease nasal congestion. It can feel like it’ll never break through but clearing your airways can ultimately help prevent a sinus infection. Days 4-6Common cold symptoms mean that, because of your snotty situation, come days four to six you may also develop a mild cough. Due to inflammation around the airways, the cough may persist after your other symptoms are long gone. Annoying, but, don’t worry – because by this stage, your cold should be on its way out. Days 7-10Day seven and it might just be time to call off that doctor's appointment. Common colds usually last around 7-10 days with most cold sufferers getting better with rest and over-the-counter remedies, says Patel. The good news? Around two weeks after the infection you will start to produce antibodies that prevent you from catching that particular cold virus again. The bad news? According to research on behalf of the Treat Yourself Better Without Antibiotics campaign, there are around another 199 strains of cold virus, so you can pick up another one that you haven't had yet – and that could happen straight away—so keep the life cycle of a cold in mind, just in case. The Best Cold and Flu MedicinesOtrivine Adult Measured Dose Sinusitis Spray 10ml Strepsils Sore Throat and Cough Lozenges - 24 Lozenges Lemsip Max All In One Cold & Flu Capsules 16 Capsules Vicks Mentholated Rub 50g How long should a cold last before you go to the doctor?If you find yourself googling 'can a cold last three weeks?' it might be time to book that GP appointment after all. There are lots of reasons why your cold might be clinging on for longer, including:
Your doctor will able to advise you on the best medications to take for a cold, and check that your illness isn't down to something else. Do cold symptoms get worse at night?If you feel like your cold gets worse at night, you're not imagining it. A common cold can make it difficult to sleep. If you're bunged up and congested, prop your head up with a few more pillows. This will help any mucus drain, preventing a build-up in the back of your throat or in your sinuses. What are the 5 stages of cold?The stages of a cold include the incubation period, appearance of symptoms, remission, and recovery.
How long does it take the average person to get rid of a cold?If you catch a cold, you can expect to be sick for one to two weeks. That doesn't mean you have to be miserable. These remedies might help you feel better: Stay hydrated.
What are the worst days of a cold?Symptoms peak: Cold symptoms peak at 1 to 3 days. The main symptoms include sore throat, stuffy nose, runny nose, cough, discomfort, sneezing, fever (more common in children), headaches, clear, watery discharge from your nose (mucus), and body aches.
How do I know if my cold is getting better?Within 7–10 days , people will usually start to recover from a cold. Symptoms begin to ease up, and people will start feeling better. People may also find that they have more energy and are more able to carry out tasks as usual.. a runny nose.. a stuffy nose.. cough.. |
How long does the average common cold last
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