Common Cold

The common cold is a mild viral infection of the nose and throat, and the single most common reason people miss work or school worldwide.

Cold Symptoms

Typical cold symptoms build gradually over a day or two and include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, mild cough, and sometimes a low-grade fever — generally milder than the sudden, more intense symptoms of the flu.

Why Antibiotics Don't Help

Colds are caused by viruses, not bacteria, so antibiotics have no effect on them and can cause unnecessary side effects — most people recover in about seven to ten days with supportive care alone.

What Actually Helps

Rest, staying hydrated, saline nasal rinses or sprays, throat lozenges, and over-the-counter pain relievers or decongestants can ease symptoms while the illness runs its course; honey (for those over one year old) can help soothe a cough.

When It Might Be Something Else

See a doctor if symptoms last more than ten days without improving, a fever is high or persistent, symptoms are unusually severe, or facial pain and thick discharge develop — these can point to sinusitis or another secondary infection rather than a simple cold.

Preventing Colds

Frequent handwashing, avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth, and covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the elbow all reduce the spread of the viruses that cause colds. Since colds are most contagious in the first few days, limiting close contact with others while symptoms are active — especially with infants, older adults, or people with weakened immune systems — is one of the most effective ways to avoid passing it on.