This is not medical advice.
The common cold doesn’t typically lead to serious complications — but if you’ve experienced a runny nose, sneezing, congestion or other bothersome side effects, you know dealing with the symptoms of cold isn’t exactly pleasant.
Recognizing the early signs of the common cold is important in helping prevent yourself and others from getting sick. Here’s what you need to know about the causes of the common cold, its symptoms and how you can combat this seasonal malady.
The common cold is a viral infection that affects your upper respiratory tract. This infection typically affects your nose and nostrils, nasal cavity, mouth, throat and larynx. Most times, the common cold lasts for a week to 10 days, with symptoms being most prevalent for two to three days.
Many different types of viruses can cause the common cold. The rhinovirus causes between 10 and 45 percent of colds and is most active in the fall, spring and summer. Coronaviruses (not to be confused with the COVID-19 virus) are most prevalent in the winter and early spring and cause about 20 percent of colds. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and parainfluenza are the other primary types of viruses that cause about 20 percent of colds and can lead to severe infections such as pneumonia.
There are several different ways a person can catch the common cold. A virus will enter your body through your mouth, eyes or nose, typically when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes or talks near you. The virus is spread through droplets in the air, so it is important that you keep your distance from people who are sick. A person can also catch the common cold if they come in contact with a contaminated object and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth. When the virus is inside of your body, it begins to attack your upper respiratory system.
There are a few common misconceptions about what causes the common cold. Standing out in the cold or in the rain will not lead to a cold, nor does becoming overheated cause a cold. It may cause your immune system to be lowered, making you more susceptible to infection if you come in contact with a person who is sick; but if you are not near someone who is sick, weather conditions have no effect on a person contracting a virus.
A person can also become more susceptible to the common cold if they are stressed or have allergies. Like poor weather, these conditions can lower a person’s immune system. This is especially true in cases of allergies, where a person’s nose and throat are already agitated.
The common cold has a variety of symptoms that usually peak within two or three days of infection. These symptoms involve your respiratory system and its ability to function. They include:
While a fever is listed as a symptom of the common cold, it is not a prevalent one for most adults. A fever typically occurs in children who have a case of the common cold.
There is no cure for the common cold, but there are several different treatments to help manage symptoms. And while no one medication can immediately give you cold relief, many treatments help ease the severity of your symptoms and help your body fight the virus better. These include:
Getting plenty of rest — The most important thing you can do for yourself is let your body rest while it fights off the cold. Exerting yourself in strenuous activities such as exercising or even continuing your daily routine can prolong your cold and make you feel worse.
Drinking fluids — It's important to keep your body hydrated by drinking lots of fluids to both relieve cold symptoms and help your immune system. A person should drink water when they are sick, but sports drinks with electrolytes can help you stay hydrated, too. By drinking fluids, you can also dilute your mucus, making it easier for you to drain your stuffy nose and sinuses.
Trying over-the-counter medication — Nonprescription medication can help treat symptoms of a cold and boost your immune system. Pain relievers can help relieve headaches and fevers, and decongestants and antihistamines will help reduce stuffiness, sneezing and a runny nose. Make sure you aren't combining different medications or take over the recommended dosage in a 24-hour period, as you may accidentally take too much of a certain ingredient and cause other health issues, such as liver damage from too much Ibuprofen.
Using a humidifier — Having a humidifier on while you're resting brings moisture into the air and helps relieve your stuffy nose and dry throat. A moister environment will help ease your symptoms and make you more comfortable as you recover.
Eating warm foods — Eating warm foods such as hot soup can help relieve the pain caused by a dry throat. Soups are also a good source of nutrients, allowing you to get protein and vegetables into your body and give it fuel to metabolize that will fight your cold.
Over the week to 10-day infection, your immune system will fight the common cold until it’s gone. In some cases, you should seek medical attention. You should contact a doctor if you are experiencing:
If your symptoms persist and you feel as though you need to consult a medical professional, GoodRx can help. ThroughGoodRx Care, you can talk to a medical professional right away without having to visit a physical doctor’s office. This allows you to describe your symptoms and seek their advice, all from the comfort of your own home. If your provider prescribes any medications to you, the GoodRx app can help you find the most affordable price in your area for your prescription drugs. It’s easy to use and, most importantly, free. Visit GoodRx to learn more.
This post is sponsored and contributed by GoodRx, a Patch Brand Partner.