Common cold

The common cold is a viral infection that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract, including the nose and throat. It is one of the most frequent illnesses in humans, especially during the colder months, hence its name. Here’s a description of the common cold:

Check if you have a cold

Cold symptoms come on gradually over 2 to 3 days.

The main symptoms include:

a blocked or runny nose
sneezing
a sore throat
a hoarse voice
a cough
feeling tired and unwell

You may also have:

a high temperature
aching muscles
a loss of taste and smell
a feeling of pressure in your ears and face

Symptoms of a cold can last longer in young children. They may also be irritable, have difficulty feeding and sleeping, breathe through their mouth, and get sick after coughing.

Call 999 or go to A&E now if you or someone has any of these:

Signs of a heart attack (chest pain, pressure, heaviness, tightness or squeezing across the chest)
Signs of a stroke (face dropping on one side, cannot hold both arms up, difficulty speaking)
Sudden confusion or delirium (unsure of own name or age)
Suicide attempt (by taking something or self-harming)
Severe difficulty breathing (not being able to get words out, choking or gasping)
A serious accident, or severe injuries burns or scalds
Heavy bleeding (spraying, pouring or enough to make a puddle)
Severe injuries (after a serious accident or assault)
A seizure or fit (shaking, jerking, or unconscious & can’t be woken up)
Sudden, rapid swelling (of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue)

How to avoid spreading a cold

Colds are caused by viruses and easily spread to other people.

You’re infectious until all your symptoms have gone. This usually takes 1 to 2 weeks. It can be longer in babies and young children.

Colds are spread by germs from coughs and sneezes, which can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours.

To reduce the risk of spreading a cold:

wash your hands often with warm water and soap
use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze
bin used tissues as quickly as possible

How to prevent catching a cold

A person with a cold can start spreading it from a few days before their symptoms begin until the symptoms have finished.

The best ways to avoid catching a cold are:

washing your hands with warm water and soap
not sharing towels or household items (like cups or children’s toys) with someone who has a cold
not touching your eyes or nose in case you’ve come into contact with the virus
staying fit and healthy

The flu vaccine does not prevent colds.