Common Cold: Symptoms, How Long It Lasts and Self-Care

A cold is one of the most familiar illnesses in the world. It is usually mild, but a blocked nose, sore throat and tiredness can make daily life harder. This article explains the symptoms, how long a cold usually lasts, how to look after yourself, and when to ask a doctor for help.

What are the symptoms of a cold?

The NHS lists these common symptoms:

• A blocked or runny nose
• Sneezing
• A sore throat
• A hoarse voice
• A cough
• Feeling tired and generally unwell

Some people also have a raised temperature, aching muscles, a loss of taste or smell, or pressure in the ears and face. The NHS says symptoms usually build up over 2 to 3 days.

How long does a cold last?

The NHS says you should begin to feel better in about 1 to 2 weeks. You can pass the cold on to others until all your symptoms have gone, and this can take longer in babies and young children.

Cold or flu?

Colds and flu can feel similar, but the NHS describes a clear difference. A cold develops gradually and you can usually carry on with normal activities, such as work. Flu comes on within a few hours, affects more than your nose and throat, and can leave you too exhausted to do normal things.

Looking after yourself at home

According to the NHS, helpful steps include:

• Resting and drinking plenty of fluids such as water to avoid dehydration
• Eating healthy food (small children often lose their appetite for a few days)
• Gargling with warm salty water, or having a warm lemon and honey drink, for a sore throat. Honey must never be given to babies under 12 months, and salt-water gargling is not suitable for children.
• Breathing in steam for a blocked nose, but keeping children away from bowls of hot water because of the risk of scalds
• Avoiding smoking, which can make symptoms worse
• Staying at home and avoiding others if you have a high temperature or feel too unwell for normal activities

A pharmacist can advise on over-the-counter products for pain, fever and a blocked nose. The NHS says some of these are not suitable for young children, babies or pregnant women, and that you should check with a pharmacist before combining cold and cough products. It also says aspirin should not be given to children under 16. The NHS notes there is little evidence that supplements such as vitamin C, echinacea or garlic stop colds or speed up recovery.

Why antibiotics do not help

Colds are caused by viruses, and the NHS says antibiotics only work against bacteria, so doctors do not recommend them for a cold. The CDC also warns that unnecessary antibiotics will not help you recover faster and may cause side effects.

How to stop a cold spreading

The NHS says germs spread through coughs and sneezes and can live on hands and surfaces for about 24 hours. To protect others:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and bin it quickly
• Do not share towels, cups or toys with someone who has a cold
• Avoid touching your eyes and nose

The NHS adds that the flu vaccine does not protect against colds.

When to see a doctor

The NHS advises seeing a doctor if:

• Your temperature is high for more than 3 days, or very high, or you feel hot, cold and shivery
• Your symptoms are getting worse or have not improved after 10 days
• Your cough lasts more than 3 weeks
• You have shortness of breath or chest pain
• You are worried about a child's cold symptoms
• You have a long-term condition such as diabetes, or a weakened immune system

In an emergency, call your local emergency number (112 in India, 911 in the United States).

This article is for general education only and does not replace advice from a doctor.