Overview

The common cold is a viral infection that that mainly circulates during the cooler months of the year. It is one of the most common infections you can catch.

It is caused by a virus called rhinovirus, which is attracted to your nose, sinuses and throat, causing an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI).

There are many other viruses that can cause URTIs. Rhinovirus is spread when people cough or sneeze onto you, or if you touch something they have just touched, especially in the first 2 days of having symptoms.

Being cold or wet does not contribute to the common cold.

The symptoms of a common cold are mostly limited to your nose, sinuses and throat, with congestion, a sore throat and a cough. These symptoms can last from 3 to 7 days, and occasionally up to 10 days.

The common cold is a self-limiting condition that does not need any treatment, but the symptoms can be very frustrating.

Green or yellow phlegm is a normal part of the healing process for common colds, and this does not mean you need antibiotics. As a viral infection, antibiotics do not work on the common cold.

Cause

Cold and flu symptoms are caused by viral infections. The common cold is most commonly caused by a virus called rhinovirus, but other viruses can cause similar URTI symptoms.

Viruses are small particles attracted to the cells that line the inside of your nose, sinuses, mouth and throat.

When viruses comes in contact with these cells, your immune system detects them, causing irritation, redness and soreness.

Your immune system will produce a lot of mucous to try and get rid of the virus, causing the irritating symptoms you see in the common cold.

These symptoms can appear very similar to other viral infections, like viral sinusitis, the flu (influenza) or COVID-19, or hay fever. Because the symptoms of these can be similar, it is important to see your doctor to discuss your symptoms and a treatment plan.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a common cold are usually mild, and include:

• Dry or watery eyes

• Headaches

• Runny or congested nose

• Sneezing

• Sore throat

• Cough

You may develop a temperature and feel tired and lethargic. Diarrhoea, shortness of breath, and muscle and joint aches do not usually occur in the common cold—but may be present in influenza ‘flu’ infections.

Treatment

The common cold is a self-limiting condition that takes between 3-10 days to resolve. Viruses are so small that antibiotics don’t affect them.

Using antibiotics when they don’t have an effect may cause side effects, including nausea, a sore stomach, diarrhoea, thrush, and becoming resistant to an antibiotic. Your doctor may tell you to:

• Rest as much as you can

• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water

• Use a humidifier

• Honey

• Saline nasal flushes

• Gargling salt water or betadine

• Use throat lozenges

• Over-the counter medication

Some ways to reduce the chance of spreading the common cold include:

• Wear a mask if you need to go out in public

• Covering your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing

• Washing your hands after using tissues or touching your eyes, nose or mouth

• Clean objects you touch in your house after touching them

• Stay 1.5m away from other people when you have symptoms

• Stay away from school or work until your symptoms start to improve

As with any health concern the best place to start is with a doctor's consultation, they can guide you through a diagnosis and help you develop a personalised plan for treating your condition.

References

If you need more information please visit our blog about allergies, colds and covid

If you need to speak to a doctor about your symptoms or condition, you can request an InstantScripts Telehealth consultation 24/7.

This fact sheet was approved by InstantScripts Medical Director Dr William Maish.