The common cold is resulting from one of more than 200 viruses circulating at any given time.
Children typically get between 6 and 10 colds yearly, while adults get between 2 and 4.
Colds usually include a sore throat and runny nose, among other symptoms.
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1.
If you feel exhausted, you may have a more serious illness like COVID-19 or the flu.
Resting your body and mind is the best remedy forfatiguewhen you have a cold.
The degree of swelling dictates how severely your voice is affected.
The more swelling there is, the more your voice is impacted.
One of the best ways to relieve hoarseness is to rest your voice.
Congestion or Runny Nose
Acongested or runny noseis another sign that your body is working to fight an infection.
Congestion typically resolves a week or so after the cold’s onset.
Drinking fluids can thin the mucus blocking your nose and help drain congestion.
Sneezing
Sneezingis a response to irritation of the mucous membranes in the nose or throat.
Sinus Congestion or Pain
Sinus congestion or pain, or sinusitis, occurs as a result of inflammation.
Your sinuses are hollow, air-filled cavities on either side of your nose.
Headache
Headaches are a common cold symptom.
Getting adequate sleep and staying hydrated can also help.
Fever
A fever is another defense mechanism your body uses to fight illnesses.
Drinking plenty of fluids with a fever is essential to prevent dehydration.
Cold Not Going Away
In most cases, cold symptoms should resolve within 10 days.
If your symptoms don’t improve or worsen after 10 days, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider.
Differentiating Cold Symptoms From Other Illnesses
Cold vs.
Flu
Viruses cause both the commoncold and the flu.
Many symptoms are the same, but the viruses that cause these illnesses differ.
Here are some key points to compare colds to the flu.
The only way to know if your symptoms are a cold or COVID-19 is to take a COVID-19 test.
Allergies
The common cold shares many symptoms with respiratoryallergies.
Patterns of symptoms after exposure to certain allergens and the frequency and duration of symptoms are major clues.
Examples include:
It also helps to keep your overall health in check.
Vaccines are also essential tools for preventing illness.
There is no specific vaccine for the common cold.
A healthcare provider can provide antiviral treatments or antibiotics if indicated.
An urgent care or emergency room provider can provide breathing treatments and intravenous fluids if your symptoms are severe.
Rest and hydration are key self-care strategies to help you recover from a cold.
OTC medications, like Tylenol and Advil, can help reduce symptoms.
If you have a cold lasting longer than 10 days, follow up with a healthcare provider.
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