Introduction to cold symptoms
The cold is a common infection, and most cold symptoms will be familiar to everyone. Signs such as sore throat, nasal congestion, headaches, and fatigue usually disappear within a week – but for those experiencing a respiratory infection, trying to stay on top of common cold symptoms can be challenging.
The good news is that common cold symptoms can be managed effectively with the right tools and understanding. Ahead, see the different stages, what they mean, and when to see a Pharmacist for cold relief medicine.
What causes cold symptoms?
The common cold is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection. There are more than 200 types of cold viruses, with the most common strain being rhinovirus1. These infections affect the throat, nose, sinuses, and windpipe, but most symptoms of cold virus aren’t actually caused by the virus – they’re a result of your immune system’s response.
When the body is infected by the cold, cells send out immune signals that lead to protective inflammation. This reaction helps the body to fight off the virus, but also causes classic cold symptoms like sinus pressure and throat irritation.
Most common cold symptoms
During infection, you may feel a range of cold symptoms, with signs typically lasting between a week and 10 days2. The hallmark symptoms of a cold virus include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and loss of energy. Let’s look a little deeper at these signs and what they mean.
Runny or blocked nose
One of the first cold symptoms to appear affects the nose. Because this entry point is a primary airway and immune responses act locally and quickly, runny or blocked noses are a typical common cold symptom. This is due to inflamed nasal passages and an increase in mucus production.
Sore throat
Many people realise they have a cold with the arrival of an itchy throat. Soreness or scratchiness in the upper airways is usually worse at the beginning of infection, because of dryness, inflammation, and sensitivity.
Sneezing and coughing
The body fights against infections like colds, and sneezing is a great example of this. Inflammation can cause early reactions like this cold symptom to expel viral particles and irritants from the airways. Mild coughing can linger after other symptoms while irritation is still present.
Headache and sinus pressure
Pressure and headaches can be a challenging symptom of a cold virus to deal with. They happen when inflammation and mucus congestion occur in the nasal passages, leading to facial pressure. When nerve irritation occurs, mild headaches can result.
Fatigue and feeling run down
Even without cold symptoms like a fever, low energy is a common experience. There are a few reasons why fatigue is associated with colds – including the energy being redirected to fight infection, reduced sleep quality, and immune responses which promote tiredness.
Symptoms of a common cold by stage
During infection, you may feel a range of cold symptoms, with signs typically lasting between a week and 10 days2. The hallmark symptoms of a cold virus include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and loss of energy. Let’s look a little deeper at these signs and what they mean.
Early stage (days 1–2)
After catching a cold, many people begin to experience a sore or itchy throat, along with mild tiredness. You may also start sneezing as the body tries to remove viral particles entering the upper airways.
Peak stage (days 3–5)
The peak stage is when symptoms of the cold virus tend to be at their worst. This includes congested or runny noses, coughing and fatigue, and sometimes mild headaches. This stage usually lasts around 2–3 days. It is also the stage when you are most contagious.
Recovery stage (days 6–10)
As your body recovers, certain cold symptoms can linger. You may notice continued coughing as the throat tries to repair after irritation, and nasal congestion as mucus production remains. The good news is that you can expect improvement within a few days.
Cold vs flu vs COVID-19: how symptoms differ
The common cold virus can be confused with COVID-19 and the flu, but there are key differences to the severity and types of symptoms experienced.
Cold vs flu symptoms
- Severity: While cold symptoms tend to be mild in nature, flu symptoms are usually more intense and affect the whole body3
- Fever: A hallmark symptom of flu, but less common in colds
- Speed: Cold symptoms appear and develop over a few days, whereas the flu can appear suddenly – even within a few hours
Cold vs COVID-19 symptoms
- Overlapping symptoms include sore throats, fatigue, coughing, and runny or stuffed noses
- COVID-19 can present more pronounced body aches, fatigue, and can include loss of taste, smell, and shortness of breath4
If symptoms are unusual or last more persistently and intensely than typical for a cold, it’s recommended to test for COVID-19 and the flu.
How long do cold symptoms last?
Thankfully, timelines for colds are usually quite predictable. The initial stages for cold symptoms last up to 3 days, before peak severity between days 3–5. From there, symptoms improve, with most people feeling significantly better between days 7–10. Some signs, such as coughing, may need more time to disappear even after the virus has gone, as the body continues to heal.
When should you see a Pharmacist or doctor?
If your symptoms worsen or last longer than expected, speak to your Pharmacist or GP. This may include signs such as a high fever, or more serious symptoms like chest pain, which should be assessed by a doctor immediately.
How cold symptoms are treated
It’s important to note that colds cannot be cured5. However, symptoms can be managed effectively with the right relief and lots of care at home.
Over-the-counter relief options
Relief from cold symptoms includes pharmacy treatments such as:
• Cough medicine: helps manage persistent coughs and gives relief from discomfort
• Sinus decongestants: nasal sprays, inhalers, and aspirators can help reduce stuffy noses
• Pain relief: minimises discomfort like headaches and muscle aches
• Throat lozenges: soothe sore or itchy throat symptoms
Self-care at home
Alongside medicinal support, the right measures at home can make a big difference. Rest up, stay hydrated, and keep warm. Home relief, such as steam inhalation and vitamin supplements such as Vitamin C for immune support, can also help reduce discomfort and duration of cold symptoms.
Can you prevent cold symptoms?
You can reduce the risk of infection by maintaining good hand hygiene, avoiding close contact and supporting your immune health with the right nutrition and supplements.
Cold symptoms in children and older adults
Common cold symptoms can differ between adults and vulnerable groups like children and older adults. It’s important to take extra caution and use child-specific cold relief.
Frequently asked questions about cold symptoms
Can cold symptoms come on suddenly?
Cold symptoms typically appear and develop over 1–3 days. If more severe or sudden symptoms appear, this may indicate flu or another infection.
Is it normal for a cold to cause a cough at night?
Yes, colds can cause coughing at night. This is due to post-nasal drip6, when mucus drips down the back of the throat.
Can cold symptoms return after improving?
Cold symptoms can sometimes return after improving – due to rebounding congestion or secondary infections. Seek advice from a GP or Pharmacist if symptoms continue to worsen.
Conclusion
Cold symptoms can be stressful or challenging, but they can also be managed with the right support and approach. Speak to your local Blooms Pharmacist or GP for personalised advice and symptom relief options.
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