The symptoms of the common cold vary in intensity and progress through several stages. It’s important to understand these differences so that you can treat your symptoms and feel better faster. You can also use this article to compare your symptoms with those of the flu and sinus infections.
Symptoms are the signs or indications of a disease or condition, perceived and complained about by a patient (or affected person). They cannot be seen by health care professionals and do not appear on medical tests.
Some of these underlying conditions may increase your risk for getting the common cold, such as: Exposure to rhinoviruses, which cause up to 50% of all common colds. Being in crowded places, such as on an airplane or at a concert. Smoking: Being around tobacco smoke can weaken the immune system and increase your risk for getting a respiratory infection.
The first stage of a cold begins with a sore throat and sneezing. A mild headache and a low-grade fever may also develop. Nasal congestion gets worse, making breathing difficult. Some people get a stuffy nose and a hoarse throat at this stage, while others experience a dry cough.
Colds spread through person-to-person contact or by spreading virus particles in the air when someone with a cold coughs or sneezes. You can prevent the spread of a cold by always covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, washing your hands often, staying home when you’re sick, and disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces. Most people are contagious for the first 2 or 3 days of a cold.
About the Author
