Common cold

Upper respiratory infection - viral; Cold

The common cold most often causes a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. You may also have a sore throat, cough, headache, or other symptoms.

Causes

It is called the common cold for good reason. There are over one billion colds in the United States each year. You and your children will probably have more colds than any other type of illness.

Colds are the most common reason that children miss school and parents miss work. Parents often get colds from their children.

Children can get many colds every year. They usually get them from other children. A cold can spread quickly through schools or daycares.

Colds can occur at any time of the year, but they are most common in the winter or rainy seasons.

A cold virus spreads through tiny, air droplets that are released when the sick person sneezes, coughs, or blows their nose.

You can catch a cold if:

A person with a cold sneezes, coughs, or blows their nose near you
You touch your nose, eyes, or mouth after you have touched something contaminated by the virus, such as a toy or doorknob

People are most contagious for the first 2 to 3 days of a cold. A cold is most often not contagious after the first week.

Is It a Cold or Allergy?

Sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose are symptoms of:

A. A cold

B. Allergies

C. Either one
Correct Answer
The correct answer is either one. Colds have similar symptoms to allergic rhinitis, a type of allergy that affects the nose. Common triggers of allergic rhinitis include dust and pollen. To figure out whether your stuffy nose comes from a cold or allergies, think about when your symptoms began.
If you're allergic to something, a reaction usually begins within:

A. A few seconds or minutes

B. 24 hours

C. Several days
Correct Answer
The correct answer is a few seconds or minutes. If you breathe in something you're allergic to, your body releases a chemical called histamine. This quickly triggers allergy symptoms, such as watery eyes or a runny nose. Using an antihistamine can help reduce allergy symptoms.
If you're around someone with a cold, you might get sick within:

A. 24 hours

B. 2-3 days

C. 2-3 weeks
Correct Answer
The correct answer is 2 to 3 days. You can catch a cold if a person with a cold sneezes, coughs, or blows their nose near you. Colds can also spread if you touch your nose, eyes, or mouth after touching something coated with a cold virus, such as a doorknob. You can help prevent colds by washing your hands or using a hand sanitizer often.
Having aches, pains, or a fever means you probably have a cold, not allergies.

A. True

B. False
Correct Answer
The correct answer is true. Allergies don't cause achiness or fever. Adults and older children with colds most often have a low fever or no fever. Young children with a cold often run a fever around 100-102°F. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help lower a fever. Never give aspirin to children. People with more severe allergies may feel tired.
If you have a cough or your throat hurts, you must have a cold.

A. True

B. False
Correct Answer
The correct answer is false. Either a cold or allergies can cause cough and a sore throat. Try hard candy or lozenges to ease a sore throat and calm a cough. Avoid using lozenges in children under age 3.
A cold usually lasts:

A. 3 days

B. 1 week

C. 2 weeks
Correct Answer
The correct answer is 1 week. If you still feel sick after 7 days, see your doctor to rule out a sinus infection, allergies, or other medical problem.
Antibiotics can help treat a cold, but not allergies.

A. True

B. False
Correct Answer
The correct answer is false. Antibiotics only kill bacteria, not viruses. Colds are caused by viruses, and allergies are caused by allergens. This means antibiotics will not work against colds or allergies. Over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicines can help ease cold symptoms. Don't use any OTC cold remedies in children under age 6.
Which can trigger an asthma attack?

A. A cold

B. Allergies

C. Either one
Correct Answer
The correct answer is either one. If you have asthma, a cold or allergies can make it worse. Use your rescue inhaler as prescribed if you begin wheezing. Colds are the most common trigger of asthma symptoms in children. If asthma medicine doesn't help, call your doctor.
A thick yellow or green nasal discharge is normal with a cold.

A. True

B. False
Correct Answer
The correct answer is true. The fluid from your runny nose will become thicker and may turn yellow or green within a few days. This is normal and does not mean that you need antibiotics. Drinking plenty of fluids can help. If discharge doesn't go away in 10 - 14 days, call your doctor.
The most common reason kids miss school and parents miss work is:

A. Colds

B. Allergies
Correct Answer
The correct answer is colds. There are over one billion colds in the United States each year. You and your children will likely have more colds than any other type of illness. Getting plenty of sleep, eating healthy foods, getting plenty of exercise, and not smoking can all help keep your immune system strong and keep you healthier.

Symptoms

Cold symptoms usually start about 2 or 3 days after you came in contact with the virus, although it could take up to a week. Symptoms mostly affect the nose.

The most common cold symptoms are:

Nasal congestion
Nasal congestion
A stuffy or congested nose occurs when the tissues lining it become swollen. The swelling is due to inflamed blood vessels. The problem may also in...
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Runny nose
Runny nose
A stuffy or congested nose occurs when the tissues lining the nose become swollen. The swelling is due to inflamed blood vessels. The problem may a...
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Scratchy throat
Sneezing
Sneezing
A sneeze is a sudden, forceful, uncontrolled burst of air through the nose and mouth.
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Adults and older children with colds generally have a low fever or no fever. Young children often run a fever around 100°F to 102°F (37.7°C to 38.8°C).

Depending on which virus caused your cold, you may also have:

Cough
Cough
Coughing is an important way to keep your throat and airways clear. But too much coughing may mean you have a disease or disorder. Some coughs are d...
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Decreased appetite
Headache
Headache
A headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Serious causes of headaches are rare. Most people with headaches can feel much better...
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Muscle aches
Muscle aches
Muscle aches and pains are common and can involve more than one muscle. Muscle pain also can involve ligaments, tendons, and fascia. Fascias are th...
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Postnasal drip
Sore throat
Sore throat
Pharyngitis, or sore throat, is discomfort, pain, or scratchiness in the throat. It often makes it painful to swallow.
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Treatment

Most colds go away in a few days. Some things you can do to take care of yourself with a cold include:

Take care of yourself

Colds are very common. A visit with your health care provider is often not needed, and most colds get better in about a week. Some symptoms, such a...

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Get plenty of rest and drink fluids.
Over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medicines may help ease symptoms in adults and older children. They do not make your cold go away faster, but can help you feel better. These OTC medicines are not recommended for children under age 4.
Antibiotics should not be used to treat a common cold.
Many alternative treatments have been tried for colds, such as vitamin C, zinc supplements, and echinacea. Talk to your health care provider before trying any herbs or supplements.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The fluid from your runny nose will become thicker over time. It may turn yellow or green within a few days. This is normal, and not a reason for antibiotics.

Most cold symptoms go away within a week in most cases. If you still feel sick after 7 days, consult with your provider. Your provider may check you for a sinus infection, allergies, or other medical problem.

Possible Complications

Colds are the most common trigger of wheezing in children with asthma.

A cold may also lead to:

Bronchitis
Bronchitis
Acute bronchitis is swelling and inflamed tissue in the bronchi, the main passages that carry air to the lungs. This swelling narrows the airways, w...
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Ear infection
Ear infection
Otitis is a term for infection or inflammation of the ear.
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Pneumonia
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a breathing (respiratory) condition in which there is an infection of the lung. This article covers community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). ...
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Sinusitis
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is present when the tissue lining the sinuses become swollen or inflamed. It occurs as the result of an inflammatory reaction or an infect...
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When to Contact a Medical Professional

Try treating your cold at home first. Contact your provider if:

You have problems breathing.
Your symptoms get worse or do not improve after 7 to 10 days.

Prevention

To lower your chances of getting sick:

Always wash your hands. Children and adults should wash hands after nose-wiping, diapering, and using the bathroom, and before eating and preparing food.
Disinfect your environment. Clean commonly touched surfaces (such as sink handles, door knobs, and sleeping mats) with an EPA-approved disinfectant.
Choose smaller daycare classes for your children.
Use hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol to stop the spread of germs.
Use paper towels instead of sharing cloth towels.

The immune system helps your body fight off infection. Here are ways to support the immune system:

Avoid secondhand smoke. It is responsible for many health problems, including colds.
DO NOT use antibiotics if they are not needed.
Breastfeed infants if possible. Breast milk is known to protect against respiratory tract infections in children, even years after you stop breastfeeding.
Drink plenty of fluids to help your immune system work properly.
Eat yogurt that contains "active cultures." These may help prevent colds. Probiotics may help prevent colds in children.
Get enough sleep.

Open References

References

Barrett B. Acute respiratory infection cold and flu. In: Rakel D, Minichiello VJ, eds. Integrative Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 19.

Barrett B, Turner RB. The common cold. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 337.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Rhinoviruses. About rhinoviruses. www.cdc.gov/rhinoviruses/about/. Updated April 24, 2024. Accessed June 18, 2024.

Lopez SMC, Williams JV. The common cold. In: Kliegman RM, St Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier;2020:chap 407.

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Video
Images
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Throat anatomy - illustration
Structures of the throat include the esophagus, trachea, epiglottis and tonsils.
Throat anatomy
illustration
Cold symptoms - illustration
Colds are caused by a virus and can occur year-round. The common cold generally involves a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. Other symptoms include sore throat, cough, and headache. A cold usually lasts about 7 days, with perhaps a few lingering symptoms such as a cough for another week.
Cold symptoms
illustration
Antibodies - illustration
Antigens are large molecules (usually proteins) on the surface of cells, viruses, fungi, bacteria, and some non-living substances such as toxins, chemicals, drugs, and foreign particles. The immune system recognizes antigens and produces antibodies that destroy substances containing antigens.
Antibodies
illustration
Cold remedies - illustration
Sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, sneezing, runny nose, fever, chills, and muscle aches are all symptoms associated with the common cold. Over-the-counter medicines for a cold only alleviate cold symptoms but do not shorten the duration of a cold. As always, drinking plenty of fluids and rest are most important for recovery from a cold.
Cold remedies
illustration

Throat anatomy - illustration
Structures of the throat include the esophagus, trachea, epiglottis and tonsils.
Throat anatomy
illustration
Cold symptoms - illustration
Colds are caused by a virus and can occur year-round. The common cold generally involves a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. Other symptoms include sore throat, cough, and headache. A cold usually lasts about 7 days, with perhaps a few lingering symptoms such as a cough for another week.
Cold symptoms
illustration
Antibodies - illustration
Antigens are large molecules (usually proteins) on the surface of cells, viruses, fungi, bacteria, and some non-living substances such as toxins, chemicals, drugs, and foreign particles. The immune system recognizes antigens and produces antibodies that destroy substances containing antigens.
Antibodies
illustration
Cold remedies - illustration
Sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, sneezing, runny nose, fever, chills, and muscle aches are all symptoms associated with the common cold. Over-the-counter medicines for a cold only alleviate cold symptoms but do not shorten the duration of a cold. As always, drinking plenty of fluids and rest are most important for recovery from a cold.
Cold remedies
illustration

A Closer Look

Common cold

Talking to your MD

Self Care

How to treat the common cold at home

Tests for Common cold

Related Information

Acute bronchitis
Community-acquired pneumonia in adults
Otitis
Sinusitis
Colds and the flu - InDepth
Pneumonia - InDepth

Review Date: 2/2/2023

Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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	A. A cold
	B. Allergies
	C. Either one

	A. A few seconds or minutes
	B. 24 hours
	C. Several days

	A. 24 hours
	B. 2-3 days
	C. 2-3 weeks

	A. True
	B. False

Health Library

Common cold

Causes

Sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose are symptoms of:

If you're allergic to something, a reaction usually begins within:

If you're around someone with a cold, you might get sick within:

Having aches, pains, or a fever means you probably have a cold, not allergies.

If you have a cough or your throat hurts, you must have a cold.

A cold usually lasts:

Antibiotics can help treat a cold, but not allergies.

Which can trigger an asthma attack?

A thick yellow or green nasal discharge is normal with a cold.

The most common reason kids miss school and parents miss work is:

Symptoms

Nasal congestion

Runny nose

Sneezing

Cough

Headache

Muscle aches

Sore throat

Treatment

Take care of yourself

Outlook (Prognosis)

Possible Complications

Bronchitis

Ear infection

Pneumonia

Sinusitis

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Prevention

References

Throat anatomy - illustration

Throat anatomy

Cold symptoms - illustration

Cold symptoms

Antibodies - illustration

Antibodies

Cold remedies - illustration

Cold remedies