Cold Symptoms

A cold is an infectious disease caused by a common cold virus. It affects the upper airways and can cause a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, and sore throat.

Common symptoms of a cold include:

Runny or stuffy nose
Nasal congestion
Post-nasal drip (mucus dripping down the back of the throat)
Sneezing
Sore throat
Cough
Headache
Fatigue
Low-grade fever (in some cases)
Pain when swallowing

In some cases, a cold can also cause body aches, chills, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Most symptoms of a cold typically appear two to three days after being exposed to the virus. Symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the person and the severity of the infection.

Most people with a cold recover without any medical intervention. It is important to get plenty of rest, drink fluids, and take over-the-counter medications to help relieve symptoms.