HomeHealth TopicsInfectionsCommon Cold
Back to Infections
Common Cold
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Infections

Common Cold

The common cold is a mild, highly contagious viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that typically resolves on its own within one to two weeks.

What is the common cold?

The common cold is a mild infection of your upper respiratory tract, including your nose and throat. It is the most common illness, with adults averaging 2-3 colds per year and children having even more. While they occur year-round, they are most common in winter and spring.

What causes the common cold?

More than 200 different viruses can cause a cold, with rhinoviruses being the most common. They are highly contagious and spread through the air, close personal contact, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.

What are the symptoms of the common cold?

Symptoms usually appear a few days after infection and can last 10-14 days, including:

  • Sneezing
  • Stuffy nose (congestion)
  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Coughing
  • Headache

What are the treatments for the common cold?

There is no cure for the common cold, but you can manage symptoms with:

  • Rest and plenty of fluids.
  • Using a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer.
  • Gargling with warm salt water.
  • Using saline nose drops or sprays.
  • Over-the-counter pain or cold and cough medicines.

Important safety notes: Children and teens should not take aspirin. Always read labels carefully to avoid taking a dangerous amount of pain reliever if your cold medicine already contains one. Consult a provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

Antibiotics do not help with a cold, as they treat bacterial infections, not viral ones.

Contact your provider if you experience trouble breathing, dehydration, a fever lasting longer than 4 days, symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement, or symptoms that improve but then return or worsen.

Can the common cold be prevented?

There is no vaccine for the common cold, but you can reduce your risk by:

  • Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands.
  • Avoiding close contact with sick individuals.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
  • Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
  • Staying home when sick.

Frequently Asked Questions

common cold typically improves after 7 to 10 days. If your symptoms worsen after initially getting better, or if you develop a high fever (over 101.3 F or 38.5 C), severe facial pain or pressure, thick yellow or green nasal discharge, or shortness of breath, you may have developed a secondary bacterial infection like sinusitis or pneumonia. These symptoms require medical evaluation, as they may necessitate antibiotics or other specific treatments that are not used for simple viral colds.
ntibiotics only kill bacteria; they have no effect on viruses, which cause the common cold. Taking antibiotics for a cold is ineffective and can contribute to antibiotic resistance. A doctor will only prescribe antibiotics if they suspect a secondary bacterial infection has developed, such as bacterial sinusitis, strep throat, or pneumonia. These conditions are diagnosed based on specific symptoms, duration of illness, and sometimes physical exams or tests, not just the presence of a cold.
To minimize transmission, practice strict hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose or coughing. Use disposable tissues and dispose of them immediately. Avoid touching your face, and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing. Disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and phone screens daily. If possible, maintain distance from vulnerable individuals, such as infants, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems, until your symptoms have resolved.
The "neck rule" is a common guideline: if your symptoms are above the neck (runny nose, mild sore throat, sneezing), light to moderate exercise is generally safe and may even help you feel better. However, if you have symptoms below the neck (chest congestion, body aches, fatigue, fever), you should rest. Exercising with a fever or significant body aches can strain your immune system and prolong recovery. Always listen to your body and stop if you feel dizzy or overly fatigued.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

kontakt@hittavard.se

Ⓒ 2024. Alla rättigheter förbehålls av juxt ab

Sök
Om ossVillkor och policyVanliga frågorKontakta oss