Common cold

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Introduction Signs and symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice

Complications Treatment Prevention Self-care

Introduction

A common cold is an infection of your upper respiratory tract — your nose and throat. It's usually harmless, although it may not feel that way. If it's not a runny nose, sore throat and cough, it's watery eyes, sneezing and congestion — or maybe all of the above. In fact, because any one of more than 200 viruses can cause a common cold, symptoms tend to vary greatly.

Unfortunately, if you're like most adults, you're likely to have a common cold two to four times a year. Children, especially preschoolers, may have a common cold as many as six to 10 times annually.

The good news is that you or your child should be feeling better in about a week or two. If symptoms of a common cold aren't improving in that time, see your doctor to make sure you don't have a complication of a bacterial infection in your lungs, sinuses or ears.

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Signs and symptoms