The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the US sees millions of cases of the common cold each year, with adults getting about two to three colds annually, and children getting them even more frequently. Show As far as viral infections go, the common cold is pretty harmless (at least compared to other viruses like the flu and COVID-19). You can't be 100% guaranteed to dodge the common cold, even with proper hand washing and staying away from those who are sick. But you can arm yourself with information regarding all the ins and outs of the common cold. Here is more about the timeline of the common cold—from infection to symptom onset to when you'll likely start feeling better—so you can be prepared for the illness if it does happen to strike. Like many respiratory viruses, the common cold is spread through person-to-person contact, when infected respiratory droplets from one person make their way into another person, Sterling Ransone, MD, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, told Health. But you don't get sick right away—the virus needs what's called an incubation period to replicate in your body. A virus' incubation period is the time from when you're first exposed to when you start feeling symptoms. Cold viruses usually have an incubation period of 24 to 72 hours, Matthew Goldman, MD, a family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic, told Health. But that's just an estimate, Dr. Goldman said, adding that sometimes cold symptoms can show up just 10 to 12 hours after exposure. On the other end of the spectrum, MedicinePlus says it could take up to a week for your cold symptoms to present. So, it really depends on the person and the specific cold virus with which they've come into contact. The CDC states that a sore throat and runny nose are usually the first signs of a cold; coughing and sneezing will likely be the next to follow. Additionally, because there are many different kinds of cold viruses, you may experience other symptoms of well, per MedlinePlus, like cough, decreased appetite, headache or muscle aches, or postnasal drip. Having a fever is not a necessary symptom for a person to have a cold, but it is likely to occur. Generally speaking, adults either don't have fever with a cold, or they have a very low fever, MedlinePlus says. Children, however, may run a fever of up to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. While the CDC notes the usual recovery period to be from seven to 10 days, a cold can last from several days to several weeks, according to John Hopkins Medicine. Certain patients—like those with weakened immune systems or other health issues—might suffer from cold symptoms for far longer. "In some patients, illness can last for months, particularly people who smoke," Dr. Goldman said. While 10 days may seem like a long period of time, Dr. Goldman said that the worst of a cold is usually right in the beginning. "In most cases, symptoms are usually worst in the beginning and diminish over time as the immune system builds resistance," Dr. Goldman added. During that time, your cold symptoms may also change—particularly with nasal symptoms, where your mucus may turn from a clear, thin liquid to a thicker, discolored (yellow or green) liquid, John Hopkins Medicine indicates. One symptom that might stick around after the others have faded is your cough. "A lingering cough is typically the symptom most people may deal with for weeks to months," Dr. Goldman explained. As far as contagiousness goes, you're most likely to spread a cold shortly after infection—usually within the first two to three days, MedlinePlus says, adding that most individuals aren't contagious after a week. However, there's still a slight chance you can spread the virus if you still have a cough. "If you've got a cough, you're spreading respiratory droplets," Dr. Ransone said. Again, the common cold is relatively harmless—but it does share many symptoms with the flu and COVID-19. That means if you've been knowingly exposed to COVID-19 and you begin showing symptoms shortly after, it's a good idea to get tested for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, so you don't risk being infected and spreading it to others. While many people's immune systems are able to fight off a cold relatively easily and within a few days, there is still a chance for complications to arise. According to MedlinePlus, the first step for treating a cold is to do so at home—that means getting enough rest, staying hydrated by drinking fluids, and taking over-the-counter medicines if needed to ease symptoms. But if your symptoms don't go away within that 10-day period, or you begin having difficulty breathing, it's time to see a healthcare provider. Updated December 23, 2021. So you’ve come down with a nasty virus that’s been making the rounds. The good news? You probably don’t need to go into the doctor’s office. The bad news? You still feel awful. If you think you have an upper respiratory infection (URI) — which includes the common cold, most sinus infections, chest colds (bronchitis), the flu (caused by the influenza virus), and COVID-19 — there’s a lot you can do at home to feel better faster. You’ll have infections like these many times throughout your life, so learning what helps the most (and the least) is worth your time. More than 90 percent of upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses. These infections create different symptoms at each stage. Most colds, flus and COVID-19 resolve in about a week, although some symptoms (like coughing) can take weeks to go away completely. Helen (Eleni) Xenos, a One Medical doctor in Chicago, describes the typical progression of the common cold:
If your symptoms are much worse than these, such as coughing so hard you throw up, coughing up bloody mucus, difficulty breathing, or if you have a fever over 102°F, you might have something more serious going on, like pertussis (whooping cough) or bacterial pneumonia. If a cold drags on for more than 2 weeks, it can turn into a sinus infection that causes pain around the eyes, nose and/or sinus headaches. Chest colds (bronchitis) cause chest congestion and a hacking cough that drag on for a few weeks. The flu comes with similar symptoms but features a prominent fever, chills, headache, and body aches that usually last several days. COVID-19 can feel very similar to other colds and can sometimes have additional symptoms like loss of taste or smell which can help distinguish this virus. It’s important for folks to get tested and stay home with cold symptoms to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, keep everyone safe, and help end the pandemic. For more on COVID-19, see here. Treating the symptoms and supporting your immune system is the best course of action to feel better faster. Everyone’s experience of a cold is slightly different from the next person’s, and there are many options in the cold and flu aisle at the drugstore. How do you know which symptom remedies are right for you? The key is to find what works best for you personally, for your symptoms, whether it’s over-the-counter cold and flu remedies or soothing herbal tea. If, for example, you experience bad sinus pressure when you have an upper respiratory infection, a decongestant like pseudoephedrine or a nasal sinus rinse might be good to have on hand. If it’s coughing that usually makes your life miserable during a chest cold, you could try inhaling hot steam from the sink or shower a few times a day to help break things up. Your immune system’s job is to eradicate viral and bacterial infections from your body. It’s very effective as long as you provide it with the proper support. The best way to do that is to rest. Being stressed out or not getting enough sleep releases hormones that suppress your immune system. In addition, taking one to two grams a day of vitamin C during cold season may lessen the severity and duration of your colds, although it won’t prevent you from catching them in the first place. Taking zinc lozenges during a cold also supports your immune system, but you have to start within 24 hours of symptom onset for them to work. Take one zinc lozenge or melt-away every two hours on a full stomach to avoid nausea. Almost all URIs are caused by viruses, and at present we don’t have medications that work against them. (One notable exception: There are antiviral medications for the flu. If you start them in the first 24 to 48 hours of symptoms, it might reduce the duration of your illness by about a day.) As for the small percentage of upper respiratory infections caused by bacteria, most go away on their own — and often just as quickly — even if you don’t take antibiotics. So if there’s a chance antibiotics can help, what’s the harm? There are many reasons to be conscientious about taking antibiotics, including breeding resistant superbugs or making your health care cost more. However, there’s another reason that’s of immediate concern: diarrhea. Antibiotics can wreak havoc in your intestines and upset the normal balance of bacteria — including the bacteria that help you digest food, which can lead to abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and alternating diarrhea and constipation. Taking multiple courses of antibiotics puts you at risk of potentially long-lasting effects on your gut. Like everything health-related, the decision about whether to take antibiotics for a bacterial infection comes down to weighing the risks and benefits. Your provider will be happy to discuss the decision with you in detail. Colds, flus, and COVID-19 are contagious from the time you get them (even before you have symptoms) up to ten days after your symptoms start. They’re usually not contagious after ten days, even if you’re still coughing or congested. The best way to avoid passing on a URI (or catching one in the first place) is to wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth with your arm when you cough or sneeze and wear a mask that fully covers your mouth and nose. It’s also best to take at least a couple of days off work or school while you’re most contagious. Occasionally, viral infections can set the stage for more complicated bacterial infections. If you experience any of the following, call your healthcare provider:
To speak with a One Medical provider, sign up today and book an in-person or virtual visit. Cough and Chest Congestion
Sore Throat
Nasal Congestion and Sinus Pressure
Runny Nose
Fever
Headache and Body Aches
Have more questions about these symptoms or upper respiratory infections, colds, flus, or COVID-19? Join One Medical today to talk to a provider. How long does cold last on average?Most people recover from a common cold in a week or 10 days. Symptoms might last longer in people who smoke. Generally, you don't need medical attention for a common cold. However, if symptoms don't improve or if they get worse, see your doctor.
How can I make my cold go away faster?Cold remedies that work. Stay hydrated. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. ... . Rest. Your body needs rest to heal.. Soothe a sore throat. ... . Combat stuffiness. ... . Relieve pain. ... . Sip warm liquids. ... . Try honey. ... . Add moisture to the air.. How do I know if my cold is getting better?Within 7–10 days , people will usually start to recover from a cold. Symptoms begin to ease up, and people will start feeling better. People may also find that they have more energy and are more able to carry out tasks as usual.. a runny nose.. a stuffy nose.. cough.. What are the phases of a cold?What are the common cold stages and symptoms?. Incubation: After you're exposed to a cold virus, it typically takes 1 to 3 days for you to develop symptoms. ... . Symptoms peak: Cold symptoms peak at 1 to 3 days. ... . Symptoms level off and fade: Cold symptoms usually last anywhere from 3 to 10 days.. |
How long does it take cold to go away
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