Common cold
An upper respiratory tract infection typically caused by viral pathogens.
Quick answer
The common cold is an upper respiratory viral infection causing congestion, sore throat, and fatigue. Zinc, vitamin C, elderberry, and echinacea show variable evidence for reducing severity and duration; rest and hydration remain the most important recovery strategies.
Do any of these feel familiar?
- The common cold is most commonly experienced as a gradual onset of nasal congestion, a runny nose, sneezing, and a sore throat — typically peaking around day two or three before resolving over a week to ten days
- Mild fatigue, muscle aches, and a low-grade temperature are common in the early stages
- Many people describe a foggy-headed feeling and difficulty concentrating
- For most, the cold is more of a nuisance than a serious illness, though it can be significantly more disruptive for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions
- Repeated colds throughout winter, especially in those with young children or high-contact work environments, are very common
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