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A lack of sleep, poor diet, anxiety or stress can often cause a person to feel sick. However, it could also be a sign of pregnancy or chronic illness. When sick, a person may experience stomach discomfort and vomiting. The medical term for this is nausea.

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A cold is caused by a virus that causes inflammation of the membranes that line the nose and throat. The common cold is very easily spread to others. It's often spread through airborne droplets that are coughed or sneezed into the air by the sick person. The droplets are then inhaled by another person.

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lack of sleep can affect your immune system. Studies show that people who don't get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus, such as a common cold virus. Lack of sleep can also affect how fast you recover if you do get sick.

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Sore throat.

Runny nose.

Stuffy nose.

Coughing.

Sneezing.

Headaches.

Body aches.

Post-nasal drip.

These are all symptoms of a cold but they dont always mean your going to get sick.

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Lack of sleep can affect your immune system. Here's what you need to know.

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What is the common cold?

The common cold leads to more healthcare provider visits and absences from school and work than any other illness each year. It is caused by any one of several viruses and is easily spread to others. It's not caused by cold weather or getting wet.

What causes the common cold?

A cold is caused by any one of several viruses that causes inflammation of the membranes that line the nose and throat. It can result from any one of more than 200 different viruses. But, the rhinoviruses causes most colds.

The common cold is very easily spread to others. It's often spread through airborne droplets that are coughed or sneezed into the air by the sick person. The droplets are then inhaled by another person. Colds can also be spread when a sick person touches you or a surface (like a doorknob) that you then touch.

Contrary to popular belief, cold weather or being chilled doesn't cause a cold. However, more colds do occur during the cold season (early fall to late winter). This is probably due to a variety of factors, including:

Schools are in session, increasing the risk for exposure to the virus

People stay more indoors and are in closer proximity to each other

Low humidity, causing dry nasal passages which are more susceptible to cold viruses

Who is at risk for the common cold?

Everyone is at risk for the common cold. People are most likely to have colds during fall and winter, starting in late August or early September until March or April. The increased incidence of colds during the cold season may be attributed to the fact that more people are indoors and close to each other. In addition, in cold, dry weather, the nasal passages become drier and more vulnerable to infection.

Children suffer more colds each year than adults, due to their immature immune systems and to the close physical contact with other children at school or day care. In fact, the average child will have between 6 to 10 colds a year. The average adult will get 2 to 4 colds a year.

What are the symptoms of the common cold?

Common cold symptoms may include:

Colds usually start 2 to 3 days after the virus enters the body and symptoms last from several days to several weeks.

Cold symptoms may look like other medical conditions. Always consult your healthcare provider for a diagnosis if your symptoms are severe.

A cold and the flu (influenza) are two different illnesses. A cold is relatively harmless and usually clears up by itself, although sometimes it may lead to a secondary infection, such as an ear infection. However, the flu can lead to complications, such as pneumonia and even death. What may seem like a cold, could be the flu. Be aware of these differences:

How is the common cold diagnosed?

Most common colds are diagnosed based on reported symptoms. However, cold symptoms may be similar to certain bacterial infections, allergies, and other medical conditions. Always consult your healthcare provider for a diagnosis if your symptoms are severe.

How is the common cold treated?

Currently, there is no medicine available to cure or shorten the duration of the common cold. However, the following are some treatments that may help to relieve some symptoms of the cold:

Over-the-counter cold medicines, such as decongestants and cough medicine

Over-the-counter antihistamines (medicine that helps dry up nasal secretions and suppress coughing)

Increased fluid intake

Pain relievers for headache or fever

Warm, salt water gargling for sore throat

Petroleum jelly for raw, chapped skin around the nose and lips

Warm steam for congestion

Because colds are caused by viruses, antibiotics don't work. Antibiotics are only effective when given to treat bacterial infections.

Do not give aspirin to a child who has fever. Aspirin, when given as treatment for viral illnesses in children, has been associated with Reye syndrome. This is a potentially serious or deadly disorder in children.

What are the complications of the common cold?

Colds can lead to secondary infections, including bacterial, middle ear, and sinus infections that may require treatment with antibiotics. If you have a cold along with high fever, sinus pain, significantly swollen glands, or a mucus-producing cough, see your healthcare provider. You may need additional treatment.

Can the common cold be prevented?

The best way to avoid catching cold is to wash your hands often and avoid close contact with people who have colds. When around people with colds, do not touch your nose or eyes, because your hands may be contaminated with the virus.

If you have a cold, cough and sneeze in facial tissue and dispose of the tissue promptly. Then wash your hands right away. Also clean surfaces with disinfectants that kill viruses can halt the spread of the common cold. Research has shown that rhinoviruses may survive up to 3 hours outside of the nasal lining.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

If your symptoms get worse or you have new symptoms, let your healthcare provider know. If your symptoms don't improve within a few days, call your provider, as you could have another type of infection.

Key points about the common cold

A cold is caused by a virus that causes inflammation of the membranes that line the nose and throat.

The common cold is very easily spread to others. It's often spread through airborne droplets that are coughed or sneezed into the air by the sick person. The droplets are then inhaled by another person.

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.

The best prevention for the common cold is frequent hand washing and avoiding close contact with people who have colds.

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The common cold leads to more health care provider visits and absences from school and work than any other illness each year. It is caused by a virus and is easily spread to others. It's not caused by cold weather.

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How Do You Get a Cold?

What Causes a Cold?

Diagnosis

How Is a Cold Diagnosed?

Cold Treatments & Home Remedies

What Is the Treatment for a Cold?

Guide

What Are the Four Stages of a Cold? Topic Guide

The common cold causes symptoms such as a runny and stuffy nose and cough, and typically lasts 7 to 10 days. The stages of a cold include the incubation period, appearance of symptoms, remission, and recovery.

The common cold is a mild upper respiratory infection caused by viruses. Common colds are the most frequent acute illness in the U.S. and the industrialized world, and occur more frequently in winter and spring, but they can occur any time of year.

Common Cold Symptoms and Duration

A cold usually lasts about 7 to 10 days, but some symptoms, especially runny and stuffy nose and cough, can last for up to 2 weeks. A cold usually progresses through certain stages. The stages of a cold include four stages, as described in the table below.

The Four Stages of a Cold Chart

Stage | Symptoms

Stage 1: Incubation period

This is the time between infection with a cold virus and the appearance of symptoms

This stage lasts anywhere from 12 hours to up to three days

Stage 2: Appearance and progression of symptoms

Symptoms of a cold appear and usually peak within one to three days and may include:

Sore throat

Runny nose

Stuffy nose

Coughing

Sneezing

Headaches

Body aches

Post-nasal drip

Watery eyes

Feeling unwell (malaise)

Fever (more common in children)

Stage 3: Remission

Symptoms start to lessen and eventually go away, within 3 to 10 days

Stage 4: Recovery

Some lingering symptoms may be present for up to 2 weeks, but are mild and a person generally feels back to normal or close to it

What Causes a Cold?

More than 200 viruses are known to cause the common cold, but the most common type are rhinoviruses. Adenoviruses and enteroviruses are other common viruses that can cause the common cold.

Risk factors for catching a cold include:

Close contact with someone who has a cold

Season: certain viruses are more common during certain times of year

Age: infants and young children have more colds each year than adults

How Is a Cold Diagnosed?

The common cold is diagnosed based upon a history of the patient’s reported symptoms and a physical examination.

Testing is not usually needed to diagnose a common cold.

Tests may be used to rule out other infections that cause similar symptoms to the common cold:

Nasal swab testing for coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) or rapid molecular assays for the flu (influenza)

Chest X-rays for lower respiratory tract infection

What Is the Treatment for a Cold?

There is no cure for the common cold. Antibiotics do not help treat colds caused by viruses.

Home remedies are usually used to help relieve symptoms of the common cold, such as:

Rest

Drink plenty of fluids

A humidifier or cool mist vaporizer to moisturize the air

Breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water or shower

Saline nasal spray or drops to moisten nasal passages

Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to relieve symptoms

Pain relievers and fever reducers such as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

Do not give aspirin to children because it can cause Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness

Cough and cold medicines

Lozenges to relieve sore throat (do not give lozenges to young children as they can be a choking hazard)

SLIDESHOW
How to Get Rid of a Cold: Natural Remedies See Slideshow

Reviewed on 8/25/2021

References

https://www.cdc.gov/features/rhinoviruses/

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/the-common-cold-in-adults-diagnosis-and-clinical-features?search=common%20cold&source=search_result&selectedTitle=2~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=2#H11414528

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What Are the Four Stages of a Cold? Symptoms & Treatment

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The common cold causes symptoms such as a runny and stuffy nose and cough, and typically lasts 7 to 10 days. The stages of a cold include the incubation period, appearance of symptoms, remission, and recovery.

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These remedies might help you feel better:

1. Stay hydrated. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. ...

2. Rest. Your body needs rest to heal.

3. Soothe a sore throat. ...

4. Combat stuffiness. ...

5. Relieve pain. ...

6. Sip warm liquids. ...

7. Try honey. ...

8. Add moisture to the air.

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Cold remedies: What works, what doesn't, what can't hurt

There's no cure for the common cold. But what about cold remedies that claim to make you feel better faster? Find out what's effective - and what's not.
By Mayo Clinic Staff
Cold remedies are almost as common as the common cold, but are they effective? Nothing can cure a cold. But some remedies might help ease your symptoms and keep you from feeling so miserable. Here's a look at some common cold remedies and what's known about them.

Cold remedies that work

If you catch a cold, you can expect to be sick for one to two weeks. That doesn't mean you have to be miserable. These remedies might help you feel better:

Stay hydrated. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. Avoid alcohol, coffee and caffeinated sodas, which can make dehydration worse.

Rest. Your body needs rest to heal.

Soothe a sore throat. A saltwater gargle - 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water - can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat. Children younger than 6 years are unlikely to be able to gargle properly.

You can also try ice chips, sore throat sprays, lozenges or hard candy. Use caution when giving lozenges or hard candy to children because they can choke on them. Don't give lozenges or hard candy to children younger than 6 years.

Combat stuffiness. Over-the-counter saline nasal drops and sprays can help relieve stuffiness and congestion.

In infants, experts recommend putting several saline drops into one nostril, then gently suctioning that nostril with a bulb syringe. To do this, squeeze the bulb, gently place the syringe tip in the nostril about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (about 6 to 12 millimeters), and slowly release the bulb. Saline nasal sprays may be used in older children.

Relieve pain. For children 6 months or younger, give only acetaminophen. For children older than 6 months, give either acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Ask your child's doctor for the correct dose for your child's age and weight.

Adults can take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or aspirin.

Use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Though aspirin is approved for use in children older than age 3, children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin. This is because aspirin has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition, in such children.

Sip warm liquids. A cold remedy used in many cultures, taking in warm liquids, such as chicken soup, tea or warm apple juice, might be soothing and might ease congestion by increasing mucus flow.

Try honey. Honey may help coughs in adults and children who are older than age 1. Try it in hot tea.

Add moisture to the air. A cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier can add moisture to your home, which might help loosen congestion. Change the water daily, and clean the unit according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Try over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medications. For adults and children age 5 and older, OTC decongestants, antihistamines and pain relievers might offer some symptom relief. However, they won't prevent a cold or shorten its duration, and most have some side effects.

Experts agree that these shouldn't be given to younger children. Overuse and misuse of these medications can cause serious damage. Talk with your child's doctor before giving any medications.

Take medications only as directed. Some cold remedies contain multiple ingredients, such as a decongestant plus a pain reliever, so read the labels of cold medications you take to make sure you're not taking too much of any medication.

Cold remedies that don't work

The list of ineffective cold remedies is long. Some of the more common ones that don't work include:

Antibiotics. These attack bacteria, but they're no help against cold viruses. Avoid asking your doctor for antibiotics for a cold or using old antibiotics you have on hand. You won't get well any faster, and inappropriate use of antibiotics contributes to the serious and growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Over-the-counter cold and cough medications in young children. OTC cold and cough medications may cause serious and even life-threatening side effects in children. Talk with your child's doctor before giving any medications.

Cold remedies with conflicting evidence

In spite of ongoing studies, the scientific jury is still out on some popular cold remedies, such as vitamin C and echinacea. Here's an update on some common alternative remedies:

Vitamin C. It appears that taking vitamin C won't usually help the average person prevent colds.

However, some studies have found that taking vitamin C before cold symptoms start may shorten the length of time you have symptoms. Vitamin C may benefit people at high risk of colds due to frequent exposure - for example, children who attend group child care during the winter.

Echinacea. Study results on whether echinacea prevents or shortens colds are mixed. Some studies show no benefit. Others show some reduction in the severity and duration of cold symptoms when taken in the early stages of a cold. Different types of echinacea used in different studies may have contributed to the mixed results.

Echinacea seems to be most effective if you take it when you notice cold symptoms and continue it for seven to 10 days. It appears to be safe for healthy adults, but it can interact with many drugs. Check with your doctor before taking echinacea or any other supplement.

Zinc. Several studies have suggested that zinc supplements may reduce the length of a cold. But research has turned up mixed results about zinc and colds.

Some studies show that zinc lozenges or syrup reduce the length of a cold by about one day, especially when taken within 24 to 48 hours of the first signs and symptoms of a cold.

Zinc also has potentially harmful side effects. Talk to your doctor before considering the use of zinc to prevent or reduce the length of colds.

Take care of yourself

Although usually minor, colds can make you feel miserable. It's tempting to try the latest remedy, but the best thing you can do is take care of yourself. Rest, drink fluids and keep the air around you moist. Remember to wash your hands frequently.

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Show references

1. Common cold. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/community/for-patients/common-illnesses/colds.html. Accessed Feb. 20, 2020.

2. Sexton DJ, et al. The common cold in adults: Treatment and prevention. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 20, 2020.

3. Saper RJ. Clinical use of echinacea. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 20, 2020.

4. Pappas DE. The common cold in children: Management and prevention. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 20, 2020.

5. AskMayoExpert. Upper respiratory tract infection. Mayo Clinic; 2020.

6. Echinacea. Natural Medicines. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Accessed Feb. 21, 2020.

7. Vitamin C. Natural Medicines. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Accessed Feb. 21, 2020.

8. Zinc. Natural Medicines. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Accessed Feb. 21, 2020.

9. Drutz JE. Acute pharyngitis in children and adolescents: Symptomatic treatment. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 21, 2020.

10. AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases. Recommendations for prevention and control of influenza in children, 2017-2018. Pediatrics. 2017; doi:10.1542/peds.2017-2550.

11. Sullivan JE, et al. Clinical report - Fever and antipyretic use in children. Pediatrics. 2011; doi:10.1542/peds.2010-3852. Reaffirmed July 2016.

12. 314 labeling of drug preparations containing salicylates. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=76be002fc0488562bf61609b21a6b11e&mc=true&node=se21.4.201_1314&rgn=div8. Accessed Feb. 22, 2018.

13. Renaud DL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 27, 2018.

See more In-depth

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There's no cure for the common cold. But what about cold remedies that claim to make you feel better faster? Find out what's effective - and what's not. By Mayo Clinic Staff Cold remedies are almost as common as the common cold, but are they effective? Nothing can cure a cold.