Common Cold: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatments
The common cold is a viral infection of the nose and throat. Adults typically get two to three colds each year, while children may have them more frequently. Many different viruses can cause a cold, but rhinoviruses are the most common.
Colds occur throughout the year but are more common during fall and winter. Most people recover within one to two weeks without medical treatment. There is no cure for the common cold, but over-the-counter (OTC) medications and home remedies can help relieve symptoms. Antibiotics do not work against cold viruses and are not recommended.
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What are the symptoms?
Cold symptoms usually develop gradually and may include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, mild headache, body aches, and fatigue. A low-grade fever may occur, particularly in children.
Nasal mucus may become thicker and turn yellow or green as a cold progresses. This does not necessarily mean you have a bacterial infection or need antibiotics. Most symptoms improve within a week, although coughing and nasal congestion may last longer.
COVID-19, flu (influenza), and the common cold can cause similar symptoms, making them difficult to distinguish based on symptoms alone.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 may cause a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, headache, fatigue, fever, or muscle aches. Some people also experience a loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or shortness of breath.
Flu typically begins more suddenly than a cold and often causes more intense symptoms, including fever or chills, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, and cough. However, not everyone with flu develops a fever.
Testing can help distinguish COVID-19 and flu from other respiratory infections. A negative rapid COVID-19 antigen test does not completely rule out infection, particularly early in the illness. Repeat testing may be necessary.
People at higher risk of complications should contact a healthcare provider promptly if they develop flu-like or COVID-19 symptoms, since antiviral medications may be recommended and work best when started early.
What causes a cold, and how does it spread?
The common cold spreads through respiratory particles released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. You can also become infected by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
People may spread cold viruses before symptoms appear and while they are sick. The length of time someone remains contagious varies depending on the virus and the individual.
Colds are more common during colder months, partly because people spend more time indoors and in close contact with others. However, cold weather itself does not cause a cold.
Children tend to catch colds more frequently because their immune systems are still developing and they have frequent contact with other children at school or daycare.
To reduce the risk of spreading a cold, wash your hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, avoid touching your face, and improve indoor ventilation.
The CDC recommends staying home and away from others when you have respiratory virus symptoms. You can return to normal activities when your symptoms have been improving overall for at least 24 hours, and you have been fever-free without fever-reducing medication for at least 24 hours. For the next five days, take additional precautions, such as wearing a well-fitting mask and avoiding close contact with people at higher risk of serious illness.
Pharmacy Treatments
How can I treat a common cold?
There is no cure for the common cold, but OTC medications and home remedies can help relieve symptoms while your body fights the infection.
Pain relievers and fever reducers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help relieve headaches, sore throats, body aches, and fever. Follow package directions and check with a pharmacist if you have medical conditions or take other medications.
Nasal decongestants: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) may temporarily relieve nasal congestion. It is available without a prescription but is generally kept behind the pharmacy counter. It may not be appropriate for people with certain medical conditions, including uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart disease. Oxymetazoline nasal spray (Afrin) can provide short-term relief but should not be used for more than three days because prolonged use may cause rebound congestion.
The FDA has proposed removing oral phenylephrine as an OTC nasal decongestant because evidence indicates that it is ineffective at recommended doses.
Cough medicines: Dextromethorphan may temporarily suppress coughing, while guaifenesin (Mucinex) may help loosen mucus. However, evidence supporting the effectiveness of OTC cough medications for the common cold is limited.
Many combination cold products contain several active ingredients. Check labels carefully to avoid taking multiple products containing the same medication, particularly acetaminophen. OTC cough and cold medications are not recommended for children younger than six years. Consult a healthcare professional before giving these products to children.
Rest and hydration: Getting adequate sleep supports your body's ability to fight infection. Drink enough water and other fluids to prevent dehydration. Warm beverages, broth, and soup may also soothe a sore throat and temporarily relieve congestion.
Saltwater gargles and saline sprays: Gargling with warm salt water may temporarily relieve a sore throat. Saline nasal sprays or drops can help moisturize nasal passages and loosen mucus. If using a nasal irrigation device, use only distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled water.
Honey and throat lozenges: Honey may help soothe a cough in adults and children at least one year old. Never give honey to infants younger than 12 months because of the risk of infant botulism. Throat lozenges may provide temporary relief for adults and older children but pose a choking risk for young children.
Humidifiers and warm showers: A clean, cool-mist humidifier may help relieve nasal dryness and congestion. Warm showers may also provide temporary comfort. Avoid inhaling steam directly from bowls of hot water because of the risk of burns.
Skin care: Frequent nose blowing can irritate the skin around your nose. Soft tissues and a small amount of petroleum jelly or fragrance-free moisturizer can help prevent dryness and chapping.
Vitamin C and supplements: Vitamin C supplements do not appear to prevent colds in most people, and starting them after symptoms begin has not consistently been shown to shorten an illness. Evidence for supplements such as echinacea and garlic is also limited or inconsistent.
When should I see my doctor?
Most colds improve without medical treatment. However, contact a healthcare provider if you experience:
- Fever lasting longer than four days
- Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement
- Symptoms that initially improve but then return or worsen
- Signs of dehydration, such as reduced urination or dizziness
- Worsening ear pain or significant sinus pain
- A worsening chronic medical condition
People with chronic heart or lung disease, diabetes, weakened immune systems, or other risk factors for complications should seek medical advice earlier, particularly if COVID-19 or flu is possible.
Seek emergency medical attention for severe difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, or other signs of a serious illness.
Most people recover from a common cold with rest, fluids, and simple symptom relief. If symptoms are severe, prolonged, or getting worse, a healthcare professional can help determine whether another illness or complication is responsible.
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