Common Cold
The common cold is a viral infection of the nose and throat that usually improves with time and supportive care.
About common cold
The common cold is a viral infection of the nose and throat that usually improves with time and supportive care.
What can cause it?
The common cold is caused by many respiratory viruses and spreads through droplets, close contact, and contaminated hands or surfaces.
Antibiotics do not treat cold viruses.
What a patient may notice
Symptoms vary from person to person. Possible signs may include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat, sneezing, or cough
- Mild fever, headache, or fatigue
How clinicians find the cause
Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms. Testing for influenza, COVID-19, strep, or pneumonia may be appropriate when symptoms, exposure, risk, or examination suggest another illness.
Treatment and next steps
- 1
Rest, fluids, saline nasal care, and age-appropriate symptom medicine may help.
- 2
Check labels to avoid duplicate ingredients and ask before giving cold medicine to children.
- 3
Antibiotics are used only for a confirmed or strongly suspected bacterial complication.
Supporting recovery
- Stay hydrated, rest, and use humidified air if helpful.
- Avoid smoking and vaping while the airways recover.
What to expect
Most colds improve within about a week, although congestion or cough may last longer. Nasal mucus can become yellow or green during a normal viral cold and does not by itself mean antibiotics are needed. Symptoms that persist, worsen after improving, or include breathing difficulty may represent another illness or a complication.
Possible complications
- Ear infection or sinus infection, especially when symptoms worsen after initial improvement
- A flare of asthma, COPD, or another chronic breathing condition
- Dehydration or a lower respiratory infection in higher-risk patients
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Mild symptoms may sometimes be managed with general supportive care, but a clinician should evaluate symptoms that persist, spread, become painful, or worsen.
Call 911 for severe trouble breathing, blue or gray lips, confusion, fainting, or chest pressure. Seek care for worsening or persistent symptoms.Get emergency help for severe trouble breathing, new chest pressure, fainting, seizure, sudden weakness on one side, uncontrolled bleeding, blue or gray lips, or a person who is difficult to wake.
Ways to lower risk
- Wash hands, cover coughs, improve ventilation, and avoid close contact while ill.
- Keep influenza and COVID-19 vaccination current.
Trusted health information
This CHS patient-education page uses original wording and links to MedlinePlus for additional information.