The common cold is a frequent viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Typical signs include runny or blocked nose, sore throat, sneezing, cough and mild fever. Symptoms usually ease within a few days to about a week, though some people may take longer to recover.
Colds usually begin with nasal symptoms—runny or stuffy nose—alongside sneezing and sore throat. Cough can be dry or productive; fever is often low-grade. Fatigue, mild headache and muscle aches may occur. Severity varies between individuals and most cases resolve without specific medical treatment.
Cold viruses pass between people via droplets from coughs or sneezes and by touching contaminated surfaces then touching the face. Frequent hand washing, avoiding close contact with people who are unwell, good ventilation in indoor spaces and covering coughs or sneezes reduce transmission. Stay away from others when contagious and clean commonly touched surfaces.
Rest, adequate fluids and humidified or warm air can ease symptoms. Saline nasal rinses or sprays help clear congestion; warm drinks and throat gargles with salt may soothe sore throat. Over-the-counter symptom relief should be used according to product instructions or a pharmacist’s advice. If symptoms worsen or fail to improve, seek medical advice.
Contact your family doctor or an ear‑nose‑throat specialist if symptoms are unusually severe, persist beyond about 10 days, or repeatedly worsen. Seek urgent care for emergency signs such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe or persistent high fever, confusion, or inability to drink fluids. People with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems should discuss symptoms with a healthcare professional promptly.
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