How Long To Get Over A Cold

Definition
- What Is the Common Cold?
Symptoms
- What Are Symptoms of the Common Cold?
Causes
- What Causes the Common Cold?
Diagnosis
- How Is the Common Cold Diagnosed?
Treatment
- What Is the Treatment for the Common Cold?
Complications
- What Are Complications of the Common Cold?
Prevention
- How Do You Prevent the Common Cold?
Guide
- How Long Does A Cold Last? Topic Guide

What Is the Common Cold?

A cold usually lasts about seven to 10 days, but some symptoms, especially runny and stuffy nose and cough, can last for up to two weeks.

The common cold is a type of mild upper respiratory viral infection. Common colds are the most frequent acute illness in the U.S. and the industrialized world and occur more frequently in winter and spring, but they can occur any time of year.

The "flu" (influenza), and COVID-19 also cause some symptoms that are similar to the common cold, however, the flu and COVID-19 can cause more severe symptoms and complications.

What Are Symptoms of the Common Cold?

Symptoms of a cold usually peak within two to three days of infection and may include:

Sore throat
Runny nose
Stuffy nose
Coughing
Sneezing
Headaches
Body aches
Post-nasal drip
Watery eyes
Fever (most people with colds do not have fever)

A cold usually lasts about seven to 10 days, but some symptoms, especially runny and stuffy nose and cough, can last for up two weeks.

What Causes the Common Cold?

More than 200 known viruses can cause the common cold, but rhinoviruses are the most common type. Adenoviruses and enteroviruses are also associated with the common cold.

Viruses that cause colds can spread from person to person through respiratory droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. They can also be transmitted by hand-to-hand contact or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Factors that can increase the risk for catching a cold include:

Close contact with someone who has a cold
Season
- Rhinoviruses are more common during the fall and winter
- Enteroviruses most frequently cause illness in the summer but can occur throughout the year
- Adenoviruses are usually not seasonal, but outbreaks may occur in military facilities, daycare centers, and hospital wards
Age
- Infants and young children have more colds each year than adults

Risk factors for increased severity of cold symptoms include:

Underlying chronic illnesses
Congenital immunodeficiency disorders
Malnutrition
Smoking

QUESTION

The common cold is one of the most common illnesses in the world. See Answer

How Is the Common Cold Diagnosed?

The common cold is diagnosed based upon the patient's reported symptoms and a physical examination. Testing of any kind is not usually needed.

Tests may be used to rule out other infections that cause similar symptoms:

Nasal swab testing for coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) or rapid molecular assays for the flu (influenza)
Chest X-rays for lower respiratory tract infection

What Is the Treatment for the Common Cold?

There is no cure for the common cold. Antibiotics do not help treat colds caused by viruses.

Home remedies to help relieve symptoms of the common cold include:

Rest
Drink plenty of fluids
Use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer
Use saline nasal spray or drops
Breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water or shower
Suck on lozenges (do not give lozenges to young children as they can be a choking hazard)
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines for relief of symptoms
- Pain relievers and fever reducers such as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
  - Don't give aspirin to children because it can cause Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness
- Cough and cold medicines

What Are Complications of the Common Cold?

Complications of the common cold are uncommon and may include:

Acute rhinosinusitis
Lower respiratory tract illness
- Bronchitis
- Bronchiolitis
- Pneumonia
Worsening of asthma
Acute otitis media (middle ear infection)

How Do You Prevent the Common Cold?

To help prevent infection with the viruses that can cause the common cold:

Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
Stay away from people who are sick
Stay home if you are sick
Move away from people before coughing or sneezing
Cough or sneeze into a tissue then throw it away immediately, or cough and sneeze into your upper shirt sleeve, completely covering your mouth and nose
Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as doorknobs, mobile phones, and toys