The influenza virus causes the common cold, which is an infection of the upper respiratory tract. Sneezing, scratchy, painful throat, and nasal congestion/runniness are the most prevalent symptoms, with rhinoviruses being the most common cause.
Sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, and a scratchy, painful throat are the classic early warning symptoms of the common cold. Because the common cold is so frequent, these early signs are usually easily recognized. In reality, most individuals get a common cold cough twice or thrice a year.
The common cold is a viral illness of the nose and throat. Over 200 different viruses have been linked to the common cold. The most prevalent kind is the rhinovirus.
These viruses are very contagious and may spread very quickly from one host to another. Some of these pathogens may survive for days at room temperature on hard surfaces.
How can you know if you have a cold?
It might take up to three days after exposure to a cold virus for symptoms to manifest. Usually, cold symptoms develop gradually over time.
A cold usually lasts for 7-10 days with symptoms. Around day 5, symptoms tend to reach their worst before gradually subsiding.
However, you should consult a doctor if your symptoms persist for more than a week or worsen after the first week.
What sets colds and flu different from one another?
It’s understandable if you confuse the ordinary cold with the flu at first. Since they share the same respiratory system, they may present similarly. However, these two illnesses are caused by distinct viruses, and distinguishing between them is dependent on how you feel.
You can better manage your symptoms, and determine whether you need medical attention, if you know the difference between a cold and the flu.
Cold diagnosis
If your cold symptoms aren’t severe, you probably don’t need to see a doctor. The first step in diagnosing is learning to recognize the signs of a cold.
Make an appointment with a doctor if your symptoms persist or become worse after 10 days. It’s possible that you’re truly struggling with something else medically, and your doctor can help you figure that out.
In 7–10 days, the cold virus should have cleared out of your system if you caught one.
When does a cold typically end?
A common cold typically lasts 7-10 days, but may linger for up to two weeks. The duration of your symptoms will vary based on your general health. People who smoke or have asthma, for instance, may have their symptoms last longer than average.
If your symptoms don’t improve or go away after 7-10 days, you should schedule a doctor’s visit. It’s also vital to visit a doctor if your symptoms worsen after 5 days.
If your symptoms persist or worsen, it may be an indication of something more serious, such the flu or strep throat.