Cold Duration & Symptoms: What You Need to Know

The common cold is a general term used for a group of minor, highly contagious viral infections of the nose and throat. Even though it is not fatal, a cold can cause serious complications in fragile individuals.

Causes

• Over 200 strains of viruses cause colds and are transmitted from person to person by direct contact, through the air or via contaminated objects.

Symptoms

• Common symptoms include headache, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, nasal and sinus congestion, mild fever, fatigue, general achiness and cold sores.

Time Frame

• Symptoms usually develop one to two days after viral infection and reach their peak between the second and fourth day. Symptoms generally last seven to 11 days.

Considerations

• Recovery is spontaneous, although longer in smokers. Call a doctor if cold symptoms persist beyond two weeks, especially if they worsen.

Treatment

• Coupling physical rest with home remedies and over-the-counter medicines is usually sufficient to get rid of a cold within two weeks. Antibiotics don't treat the cold itself.

Important Measures

• For prevention, wash your hands often, limit your interaction with people with colds and avoid sharing drinking glasses.