The common cold is a mild viral infection that affects the nose, throat, and sinuses. Most people recover from a cold within one to two weeks. Here’s an overview based on your provided details:

Symptoms of a Cold

The main symptoms of a cold include:

• Sore throat
• Blocked or runny nose
• Sneezing
• Cough
• Hoarse voice
• Feeling generally unwell

Less common symptoms may involve:

• Fever (typically 37°C to 39°C or 98.6°F to 102.2°F)
• Headache
• Earache (can indicate a middle ear infection if severe)
• Muscle aches
• Loss of taste and smell
• Eye irritation
• Pressure in the ears and face

When to Seek Medical Advice

Consider speaking to your GP or a healthcare professional if:

• Symptoms persist for more than 3 weeks.
• Your symptoms worsen suddenly.
• You experience a high fever or chills.
• You are concerned about a child’s symptoms.
• You experience shortness of breath or chest pain.
• You have an underlying medical condition (e.g., diabetes, heart/lung/kidney disease).
• Your immune system is weakened (e.g., due to chemotherapy).

Home Treatments for a Cold

There is no cure for the common cold, but you can manage symptoms by:

• Resting.
• Staying hydrated.
• Eating nutritious foods.
• Using pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
• Trying decongestant sprays or tablets.
• Gargling salt water or sucking on menthol lozenges.

Always follow dosage instructions for any over-the-counter medicines and consult a pharmacist if you have any questions.

How Colds Spread

Colds are spread by:

• Touching objects or surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching your face.
• Physical contact with someone who has the virus.
• Breathing in airborne droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Preventing the Spread of a Cold

To reduce the risk of spreading a cold:

• Wash hands frequently.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Discard used tissues immediately and wash your hands.
• Avoid sharing utensils, cups, or personal items with others.
• Clean surfaces regularly.

Cold vs. Flu

It can be hard to distinguish between a cold and the flu. Here are the main differences:

• Flu symptoms come on quickly and typically include a headache, fever, and muscle aches, often leaving you too ill to continue with your usual activities.
• Cold symptoms come on gradually, primarily affecting the nose and throat, and are generally milder.

Possible Complications

Colds usually resolve without serious issues, but in some cases, the infection may spread to the chest, ears, or sinuses.

If you have any concerns about your symptoms or need further guidance, consult your GP or pharmacist.