Common Cold: Signs and Symptoms
The common cold is a viral infection of 
your nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). It's usually harmless, although it might not feel that way. Many types of viruses can cause a common cold.
Healthy adults can expect to have two or three colds each year. Infants and young children may have even more frequent colds.
Most people recover from a common cold in a week or 10 days. Symptoms might last longer in people who smoke. Generally, you don't need medical attention for a common cold. However, if symptoms don't improve or if they get worse, see your doctor.
Symptoms of a common cold usually appear one to three days after exposure to a cold-causing virus. Signs and symptoms, which can vary from person to person, might include: runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, slight body aches or a mild headache, sneezing, low-grade fever, and generally feeling unwell.
When to see a doctor
For adults — generally, you don't need medical attention for a common cold. However, seek medical attention if you have: symptoms that worsen or fail to improve, fever greater than 101.3 f (38.5 c) lasting more than three days, fever returning after a fever-free period, shortness of breath, wheezing, severe sore throat, headache or sinus pain.
For children — in general, your child doesn't need to see his or her doctor for a common cold. But seek medical attention right away if your child has any of the following: fever of 100.4 f (38 c) in newborns up to 12 weeks, rising fever or fever lasting more than two days in a child of any age, severe symptoms, such as headache, throat pain or cough, difficulty breathing or wheezing, ear pain, extreme fussiness, unusual drowsiness, or lack of appetite.
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