The common cold is a viral infection that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract, including the nose and throat. It’s referred to as “common” for good reason—adults typically experience two to three colds per year, while children may catch colds even more frequently.

Although symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, or cough can be uncomfortable, the common cold is usually mild and resolves on its own with basic care and rest.

Common Cold Symptoms

Cold symptoms can vary depending on the virus and individual immune response, but most people experience a typical cluster of signs, including:

  • Sneezing

  • Stuffy or runny nose

  • Sore throat

  • Cough

  • Nasal congestion

  • Itchy or watery eyes

Less common symptoms may also include:

  • Fever

  • Headache

  • Body aches

  • Chills

  • Fatigue

  • Sweating

  • Loss of appetite

  • Post-nasal drip

What Causes the Common Cold?

There are more than 200 different viruses that can lead to a cold. Rhinoviruses are the most frequent culprits and can also trigger complications such as sinus infections, asthma attacks, or ear infections.

Cold viruses spread from person to person, either through direct contact (such as shaking hands) or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Once the virus enters the body, it attaches to healthy cells and begins replicating. This replication triggers the immune system, which causes the cold symptoms you experience.

Risk Factors

Colds can occur at any time of year but are most common during winter and spring. Age is also a contributing factor—children tend to get colds more often than adults due to their developing immune systems.

Other factors that can increase the risk of catching a cold include:

  • Exposure to crowded environments

  • Weakened immune system

  • Smoking

  • Lack of sleep

  • High stress levels

How Is the Common Cold Diagnosed?

There’s no specific lab test to diagnose the common cold. Instead, diagnosis is based on observing symptoms and conducting a physical examination.

If symptoms develop gradually and don’t include fever, fatigue, or body aches, the illness is more likely a cold than the flu or COVID-19. If you visit a healthcare provider, they will ask about your symptoms and may perform additional tests to rule out more serious infections.

This is especially important for individuals at higher risk for complications, such as older adults, pregnant people, or those with chronic conditions.

Treatments for the Common Cold

There is no cure for the common cold. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and helping your body fight off the virus naturally. Common remedies include:

  • Over-the-counter (OTC) cold medications to ease symptoms like congestion and coughing

  • OTC pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and body aches

  • Gargling with salt water to soothe a sore throat

  • Using saline nasal sprays for congestion relief

  • Drinking plenty of fluids and staying hydrated

  • Getting sufficient rest to support recovery

Important note: Antibiotics do not treat viral infections like the cold and should not be used unless a bacterial infection is diagnosed.

How to Prevent the Common Cold

While you can’t completely avoid colds, you can reduce your risk by adopting good hygiene and healthy habits:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water

  • Use hand sanitizer when soap isn’t available

  • Avoid sharing food or drinks with people who are sick

  • Disinfect commonly touched surfaces

  • Maintain a nutritious diet

  • Exercise regularly

  • Get enough sleep

  • Manage stress effectively

  • Avoid smoking

If you do get a cold, try to limit close contact with others to help prevent spreading the virus.

Related Conditions and Complications

For most healthy people, a cold is a minor inconvenience. However, people with weakened immune systems, asthma, or other respiratory issues may face a higher risk of complications such as:

  • Bronchitis

  • Pneumonia

  • Sinus infections

  • Ear infections

Children with asthma, in particular, may experience wheezing or more severe respiratory symptoms during a cold.

Living With the Common Cold

Most people recover from a cold within one to two weeks. Understanding the progression of the illness can help manage expectations:

  • Incubation period: Lasts two to three days after exposure. This is when the virus multiplies silently before symptoms appear.

  • Symptom onset: Typical cold symptoms begin, and you become contagious.

  • Recovery period: Symptoms usually fade within seven to ten days, although some colds may last up to three weeks.

If your symptoms persist beyond 10 days, worsen, or you develop difficulty breathing, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.