Overview
The common cold is a mild viral infection of the nose and throat, one of the most frequent illnesses of all. It brings a runny or blocked nose, sneezing and a sore throat, and clears on its own within a week or so. There is no cure and antibiotics do not help, since it is caused by viruses. Rest, fluids and simple remedies ease the symptoms while the body fights it off.
Symptoms
- Runny or blocked nose
- Sneezing and a sore or scratchy throat
- Mild cough
- Watery eyes and mild headache
- Low-grade fever, more often in children
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if symptoms last more than ten days, keep returning, or come with high fever, breathlessness or severe sinus or ear pain.
Causes
Many different viruses, spread through coughs, sneezes and touching contaminated surfaces, more common in the cooler months.