Cold

Symptoms of a cold

The symptoms of a cold usually develop within a few days of becoming infected.

The main symptoms include:

a strep throat
a blocked or runny nose
sneezing
a cough
a hoarse voice
generally feeling unwell

Less common symptoms of a cold include:

a high temperature (fever) this is usually about 37-39C (98.6-102.2F)
a headache
ear ache, severe ear ache may be a sign of a middle ear infection
muscle pain
loss of taste and smell
mild irritation of your eyes
a feeling of pressure in your ears and face

The symptoms are usually at their worst during the first two to three days, before they gradually start to improve. In adults and older children, they usually last about 7 to 10 days, but can last longer. A cough in particular can last for two or three weeks.

Colds tend to last longer in younger children who are under five, typically lasting around 10 to 14 days.

The main differences are:

Flu symptoms

come on quickly
usually include a headache, fever and aching muscles
make you feel too unwell to continue your usual activities

Cold symptoms

come on gradually
mainly affect your nose and throat
are fairly mild, so you can still get around and are usually well enough to go to work

When to visit your GP

Colds are generally mild and shortlived, so there's usually no need to see your GP if you think you have one. You should just rest at home and use painkillers and other remedies to relieve your symptoms until you're feeling better.

You only really need to see your GP if:

your symptoms persist for more than three weeks
your symptoms get suddenly worse
you have breathing difficulties
you develop symptoms of complications of a cold, such as chest pain or coughing up bloodstained mucus

It might also be a good idea to see your GP if you're concerned about your baby or an elderly person, or if you have a long-term illness such as a lung condition. You can also phone NHS 111 for advice.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 5 Jan 2017

Articles for cold

When should I see a doctor if I have a cold?

You should seek medical advice if: your child is under three months old and has a temperature of 38C (100.4F) or above, their symptoms last more than three weeks, they seem to be getting worse rather than better, etc.

Why won't my doctor prescribe antibiotics?

Antibiotics are used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Colds are caused by viruses, so do not respond to antibiotics. The overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, where bacterial infections become less easily treatable.

What can I do to help my child when having a cold?

The following tips may help your child cope with the symptoms of a cold: encourage your child to rest and make sure they drink plenty of fluids, liquid paracetamol or ibuprofen can help ease a fever, a warm, moist atmosphere can ease breathing, etc.

Introduction

A cold is a mild viral infection of the nose, throat, sinuses and upper airways. It's very common and usually clears up on its own within a week or two. Colds are also more frequent during the winter, although it's not clear exactly why.

Symptoms of a cold

The symptoms of a cold include a strep throat, a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, etc. They usually develop within a few days of becoming infected. The symptoms are usually at their worst during the first two to three days, before they gradually start to improve.

How to treat a cold

You can manage cold symptoms yourself by following some simple advice . You'll normally start to feel better within 7 to 10 days. The main medications used to treat cold symptoms are painkillers, decongestants and cold medicines.

Complications of colds

Colds usually clear up without causing any further problems. However, the infection can sometimes spread to your chest, ears or sinuses. Like sinusitis, middle ear infection and chest infection.

Is my child's cold serious?

Young children get colds quite often because their immune system is still developing. It can be worrying when your child gets a cold, but it's not usually serious and normally passes within two weeks.

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