Health topic guide
Common Cold
A common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Many different viruses can cause cold symptoms, which often include a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, and sometimes mild fever.
Seek urgent care for difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, severe dehydration, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Cold-like symptoms can also be caused by flu, COVID-19, or other infections.
Symptoms and spread
Cold symptoms commonly develop gradually and may peak in the first few days. Respiratory viruses spread through droplets and close contact; hand hygiene, ventilation, and staying home when unwell can reduce the chance of passing an infection to others.
When to consider testing or medical advice
Consider testing for COVID-19 or flu when symptoms, exposure, local guidance, or personal risk make it appropriate. Early assessment can matter for people at higher risk because some antiviral treatments work best when started promptly. Contact a healthcare professional if symptoms are severe, persist longer than expected, worsen after improving, or if you have a higher risk of complications.
Supportive care and medicines
Rest and fluids may help with comfort while the body recovers. Medicines can ease some symptoms but do not treat every cause and are not appropriate for everyone. Follow product labels and ask a pharmacist or clinician about use for children, pregnancy, chronic illness, or possible drug interactions. Antibiotics do not treat viruses such as those that cause colds.