The main symptoms of a cold are a runny nose, a plugged nose, frequent sneezing, a mild headache, a feeling of general malaise and a low-grade fever. These cold symptoms tend to appear about 2 to 3 days after the onset of infection.

Cold symptoms usually last for about 4 days and are caused by common viruses, mainly rhinoviruses. These can be transmitted through the inhalation of droplets of nasal secretions suspended in the air. They spread when an infected person sneezes, coughs or blows their nose.

Colds are more common during the fall and winter, as it is more common for people to spend time indoors in closed environments for longer periods of time, which also increases the risk of transmission.

Main symptoms

The main symptoms of a cold are:

Runny nose, with a clear, watery discharge
Stuffy nose
Yellow or green.tinged phlegm
Sneezing
Sore throat
Coughing
Body aches
Mild headache
Low-grade fever
General malaise

Usually, these symptoms last for about 7 to 10 days and come on gradually. Smokers and people with a history of lung disease often experience these symptoms for even longer. If you symptoms do not seem to improve, or if you have a fever over 38.5ºC (or 101.3ºF), you should see a doctor for assessment.

How to relieve symptoms

Common cold symptoms can easily be treated at home, through simple measures like:

1. Drinking plenty of water

Maintaining adequate hydration levels is essential for recovering from a cold. Drinking water also helps to thin-out discharge and help with elimination. This can help discomfort from a runny or stuff nose. You should aim for about 8 cups of fluid per day, which can be consumed as fresh juice, tea, broth or water. Learn about other ways you can clear a stuffy nose naturally.

You should avoid consuming caffeinated drinks, like coffee or black tea, and alcohol, which can cause further dehydration.

2. Resting

Rest is very important for optimal functioning of the immune system to combat an infection. Resting will lead to a quicker recovery and reduce chances of transmitting the virus to others.

When recovering from a cold, you should stay home from school or from work to rest, particularly if you have a fever, intense coughing or drowsiness.

3. Using a humidifier

Using a humidifier helps to increase moisture in the air and help relieve nasal congestion and coughing. Another easy way to increase moisture in the air is by placing a bowl of water in the living room or bedroom, where the infected person is resting.

4. Gargling warm water and salt

Performing a salt water gargle can help to relieve a sore throat and get rid of phlegm. The salt is a natural antiseptic that can help to kill bacteria contributing to the infection.

To perform a throat gargle, add half a teaspoon of salt to a half cup of warm water. Gargle the mixture for a few seconds and spit it out. Check out other ways to relieve a sore throat with over-the-counter medications and home remedies.

5. Nasal irrigation with saline

Irrigating the nose with saline water can help to relieve nasal congestion and remove discharge that is trapper inside the upper respiratory tract. It is also a great way to prevent sinusitis. One way to relieve nasal congestion in babies and children is to aspirate nasal secretions with a bulb or syringe after inserting saline solution. Read out step-by-step guide on how to perform a nasal irrigation.

When to see a doctor

Although it is not always necessary to see a doctor every time you have a cold, you should seek medical attention if you present with any of the following symptoms:

Fever over 38.5ºC (or 101.3ºF), or a fever that lasts for over 5 day, or a fever that returns after it had resolved
Fever of 38ºC (or 100.4ºF) in newborns up to 12 weeks of age
Fever that increases in temperature or lasts for more than 2 days in children of any age
Worsening of symptoms
Shortness of breath
Intense throat pain
Ear ache
Headache
Sinus pain

Children who are confused, unusually sleepy or have a reduced appetite should also be assessed by a pediatrician so that the most appropriate treatment can be initiated