How long does a cold last?

Symptoms of cold usually appear 2 or 3 days after getting exposed to the virus. People who have colds are contagious for the first 3 or 4 days after the first appearance of the symptoms begin and remain contagious for up to 3 weeks. Most colds clear up within a week but some may stay for 2-3 weeks as well.

Are cold and flu the same?

No, cold and flu are not the same. As both cold and flu have similar symptoms, it is difficult to differentiate these two depending upon their symptoms. Flu, in general is more intense than colds and usually presents with fever, chills, moderate to severe body aches, headaches and other complications. Colds are milder than flu with more likelihood to have nasal congestion or a runny nose.

Why do colds become worse in winters?

Winters have shorter days and fewer hours of sunshine, which means less Vitamin D. This, in turn, reduces your immunity and makes you more susceptible to colds and other infections. In winters, people mostly stay indoors and are in closer contact with each other thereby increasing the risk of getting a cold. Moreover, indoor air is mostly dry in the winters due to use of heaters. This can reduce moisture in the respiratory tract and make it more susceptible to the cold viruses.

What foods should I avoid if I have a cold?

If you have a cold, you should avoid certain foods such as caffeinated beverages and alcohol, as it may dehydrate you and lower your immune system. You should also stay away from hard and crunchy foods such as chips and crackers as they aggravate your cough. It is also advised to stay away from processed foods.

How to know if your cold is viral or bacterial?

Most colds occur due to viral infection and usually last for around a week. The common cold due to a viral infection affects your nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). Though most viral infections in cold are harmless, they may develop into secondary bacterial infections such as sinus infections.

Common cold

Written By Dr. Anuj SainiMMST, MBBS

Reviewed By Dr. Rajeev Sharma

MBA, MBBS

Last updated on: 14 Dec 2023 | 04:39 PM (IST)

Overview

Common cold is one of the most common ailments that every one of us might have had at some point in our lives. Although mostly caused by viruses, cold can also be triggered due to changes in weather or an underlying respiratory infection. It can spread by close contact with infected people or touching contaminated objects.

Sneezing, sore throat, feeling of being unwell, and nasal discharge are the most common symptoms associated with a cold. To diagnose a cold, assessing the physical symptoms is usually sufficient. In most cases, there is no need for any laboratory test.

Treatment of cold is mainly based on relieving the symptoms. Home care measures like steam inhalation, staying hydrated, gargling, use of nasal spray and taking adequate rest are effective in speedy recovery from the cold.

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Overview

Key Facts

Symptoms

Causes

Risk factors

Diagnosis

Prevention

Specialist to visit

Treatment

Home-care

Complications

Alternatives therapies

FAQs

References