We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Show Overview The head cold, also known as the common cold, is usually a mild illness, but it can impact your daily life. In addition to sneezes, sniffles, coughs, and a sore throat, a head cold can leave you feeling tired, rundown, and generally unwell for several days. Adults get two or three cases of the head cold each year. Kids can catch eight or more of these illnesses annually. Colds are the main reason why kids stay home from school and adults miss work. Most colds are mild and last about a week. But some people, especially those with a weakened immune system, can develop more serious illnesses as a complication of a head cold, such as bronchitis, a sinus infection, or pneumonia. Learn how to spot the symptoms of a head cold and find out how to treat your symptoms if you do come down with a cold. You might have heard the terms “head cold” and “chest cold.” All colds are basically respiratory infections caused by a virus. The difference in terms usually refers to the location of your symptoms. A “head cold” involves symptoms in your head, like a stuffed, runny nose and watery eyes. With a “chest cold,” you’ll have chest congestion and a cough. Viral bronchitis is sometimes called a “chest cold.” Like colds, viruses also cause viral bronchitis. One way to know whether you’ve caught a head cold is by the symptoms. These include:
Head cold symptoms usually appear one to three days after you’ve been exposed to the virus. Your symptoms should last for seven to 10 days . A head cold and sinus infection share many of the same symptoms, including:
Yet their causes are different. Viruses cause colds. Although viruses can cause sinus infections, often these illnesses are due to bacteria. You get a sinus infection when bacteria or other germs grow in the air-filled spaces behind your cheeks, forehead, and nose. Additional symptoms include:
Colds are caused by viruses, most commonly rhinoviruses. Other viruses that are responsible for colds include:
Bacteria don’t cause colds. That’s why antibiotics won’t work to treat a cold. Learn more: Common cold causes » You catch a cold when someone who’s infected sneezes or coughs, and sprays droplets containing the virus into the air. Another way to get sick is by touching surfaces, like doorknobs, phones, or toys, that have the virus on them. The virus can get into your body when you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. You’re more likely to catch a cold if you have a weakened immune system or you smoke. Colds spread more in the fall and winter months than in the spring and summer. Colds are usually mild illnesses. You shouldn’t need to see a doctor for general cold symptoms like a stuffed nose, sneezing, and coughing. Do see a doctor if you have these more serious symptoms:
Call your doctor if your symptoms haven’t improved after seven days, or if they get worse. You could have one of these complications, which develop in a small number of people who get colds:
You can’t cure a cold. Antibiotics kill bacteria, not the viruses that cause colds. Your symptoms should improve within a few days. Until then, here are a few things you can do to make yourself more comfortable:
If you use an OTC cold remedy, check the box. Make sure you only take medicine that treats the symptoms you have. Don’t give cold medicines to children under age 6. Read more: 11 cold and flu home remedies » Usually colds clear up within a week to 10 days. Less often, a cold can develop into a more serious infection, like pneumonia or bronchitis. If your symptoms continue for more than 10 days, or if they are getting worse, see your doctor. Especially during cold season, which is in the fall and winter, take these steps to avoid getting sick:
How long does the common cold last?In adults and older children, they usually last about 7 to 10 days, but can last longer. A cough in particular can last for two or three weeks. Colds tend to last longer in younger children who are under five, typically lasting around 10 to 14 days.
What is the first symptoms of a cold?Symptoms may include a stuffy, runny nose, scratchy, tickly throat, sneezing, watery eyes and a low-grade fever. Treatment to reduce symptoms includes getting rest and drinking plenty of fluids. Because colds are caused by viruses, treatment with antibiotics won't work.
What is the difference between a common cold and Covid?Both COVID-19 and the common cold are caused by viruses. COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, while the common cold is most often caused by rhinoviruses. All of these viruses spread in similar ways and cause many of the same symptoms.
What are 3 signs or symptoms of the common cold?Symptoms. Runny or stuffy nose.. Sore throat.. Cough.. Congestion.. Slight body aches or a mild headache.. Sneezing.. Low-grade fever.. Generally feeling unwell.. |