Cold Symptoms
Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index
Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
The common cold refers to a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. This infection can be due to different types of viruses, so there is no one "cold virus." In fact, over 200 types of viruses are known to cause the common cold. Characteristic symptoms include cough, stuffy or runny nose, scratchy or sore throat, and sneezing. Low-grade fever, watery eyes, headache, fatigue, and body aches can also occur. Symptoms of a cold usually last from 4 to 14 days.
Other conditions, including allergies and the flu, can cause symptoms similar to those of the common cold. While flu symptoms are generally more severe, it is often difficult to tell the difference between a cold and flu. Other conditions like bacterial strep throat or sinus infections may mimic symptoms of a cold. This list focuses on colds and other types of conditions that may cause some or many of the same symptoms as a cold.
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REFERENCE:
NIAID.gov. Common Cold. Symptoms.
Main Article on Cold
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Common Cold The common cold (viral upper respiratory tract infection) is a contagious illness that may be caused by various viruses. Symptoms...learn more »
Causes of Cold
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Acute Bronchitis Bronchitis is a disease of the respiratory system in which the bronchial passages become inflamed. There are two types of...learn more »In This ArticleAcute Bronchitis Article- Acute bronchitis facts
- What is acute bronchitis?
- What causes acute bronchitis?
- What are the risk factors for acute bronchitis?
- What are the symptoms of acute bronchitis?
- When does a cold become acute bronchitis?
- How is acute bronchitis diagnosed?
- When should I call my doctor about my cough?
- What are the treatments for acute bronchitis?
- What are acute bronchitis home remedies?
- What are the complications of acute bronchitis?
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Allergy An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. ...learn more »In This ArticleAllergy Article- Allergy facts
- What does an allergy mean?
- What causes allergies?
- Who is at risk and why?
- What are common allergic conditions, and what are allergy symptoms and signs?
- Hay Fever
- Asthma
- Allergic Eyes
- Allergic Eczema
- Hives
- Allergic Shock
- Where are allergens? Everywhere
- In the air we breathe
- In what we ingest
- Touching our skin
- Injected into our body
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Chronic Bronchitis Chronic bronchitis is a cough that occurs daily with production of sputum that lasts for at least three months, two years in a...learn more »In This ArticleChronic Bronchitis Article- Bronchitis Facts
- What is bronchitis?
- What is acute bronchitis?
- What are the symptoms of acute bronchitis?
- What is chronic bronchitis?
- What are the causes of chronic bronchitis?
- What are the risk factors for chronic bronchitis?
- What are the symptoms of chronic bronchitis?
- When should an individual seek medical care for chronic bronchitis?
- How is chronic bronchitis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for chronic bronchitis?
- What are the complications of chronic bronchitis?
- Can chronic bronchitis be prevented?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) for chronic bronchitis?
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Flu (Influenza) Influenza (flu) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache,...learn more »In This ArticleFlu (Influenza) Article- Flu (influenza, conventional, and H1N1) facts
- What is influenza?
- What are the causes of the flu?
- What are flu symptoms in adults and in children?
- How is the flu diagnosed?
- What is the key to flu prevention?
- Are there any flu shot or nasal spray vaccine side effects in adults or in children?
- Why should the influenza vaccine be taken every year?
- What are some treatments an individual can do at home for the flu?
- When should a person go to the emergency department for the flu?
- Who should receive the flu vaccine, and who has the highest risk factors? When should someone get the flu shot?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) and complications for patients who get the flu?
- What is the bird (avian) flu?
- Do antiviral agents protect people from the flu?
- Is it safe to get a flu shot that contains thimerosal?
- Where can I find additional information about the flu?
- Flu (influenza, conventional, and H1N1) facts
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Infectious Mononucleosis Infectious mononucleosis is a virus infection in which there is an increase of white blood cells that are mononuclear (with a...learn more »In This ArticleInfectious Mononucleosis Article- Infectious mononucleosis (mono) facts
- What is infectious mononucleosis?
- What is the cause of mono?
- What are risk factors for mono?
- How is mono transmitted or spread?
- What are the symptoms of mono?
- What are the signs of mono?
- How is mono diagnosed?
- What is the usual course and treatment of mono?
- What are the complications of mono?
- How can mono be prevented?
- Conclusion
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Measles Measles (rubeola) is a highly contagious disease that's caused by a virus. Symptoms include a rash, high fever, cough, runny...learn more »In This ArticleMeasles Article- Measles facts
- What is measles?
- What is rubeola?
- What is rubella?
- What are other names for measles?
- What is the history of measles?
- What causes measles?
- How is measles spread?
- How does one become immune to measles?
- Who is at risk for getting measles?
- Is measles deadly?
- What is the danger of getting measles while pregnant?
- If I am exposed, how long does it take to develop symptoms and signs?
- What are measles symptoms and signs?
- What are the complications seen with measles?
- What is atypical measles?
- What is modified measles?
- How is the diagnosis of measles made?
- If it is not measles, what else could it be?
- What should I do if I have been exposed to measles?
- Is there any treatment for measles after symptoms and signs develop?
- If measles only rarely occurs in the United States, why should I get vaccinated?
- Do I need to be revaccinated against measles if I am traveling to Europe?
- What is the prognosis for measles?
- How can I prevent contracting measles?
- Is there any truth to the fear of getting autism from vaccines?
- Who should not receive measles vaccinations?
- If a child has an egg allergy, can they still receive the measles vaccine?
- What adverse reactions can occur to the measles vaccination?
- Who should be revaccinated against measles?
- Where can I find more information about measles?
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Pneumonia Pneumonia is inflammation of one or both lungs with consolidation. Pneumonia is frequently but not always due to infection. The...learn more »In This ArticlePneumonia Article- Pneumonia facts
- What is pneumonia?
- How do people "catch pneumonia"?
- What are pneumonia symptoms and signs in adults and children?
- How is pneumonia diagnosed?
- What are some of the organisms that cause pneumonia? What is the treatment for pneumonia? Can pneumonia be prevented?
- What is the prognosis of pneumonia?
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Respiratory Syncytial Virus Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious viral infection. Symptoms include fever and nasal congestion and...learn more »In This ArticleRespiratory Syncytial Virus Article- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection facts
- What is the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?
- When does RSV infection occur, and who gets it?
- Who is at risk for severe disease?
- Is RSV infection contagious, and how is RSV infection transmitted?
- What are the symptoms of RSV infection?
- How is RSV infection diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for an RSV infection?
- How can RSV infection be prevented?
- Is there an RSV vaccine?
- What is the prognosis of a respiratory syncytial virus infection?
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Sinus Headache Sinus headache is caused by a sinus infection or inflammation of the sinus cavities. The primary symptom of a sinus infection is...learn more »In This ArticleSinus Headache Article- Sinus headache facts
- What are the sinuses?
- What is a sinus headache?
- What causes a sinus headache?
- What are the symptoms of a sinus headache?
- When should I seek medical care for a sinus headache?
- How is a sinus headache diagnosed?
- What is the treatment and remedies for a sinus headache?
- What are the complications of a sinus headache?
- Can a sinus headache be prevented?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) for a sinus headache?
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Strep Throat Strep throat is a sore throat caused by a bacterium called streptococcus (strep) that can be treated through antibiotics. Common...learn more »In This ArticleStrep Throat Article- Strep throat facts
- What is strep throat?
- What causes a sore throat?
- What are tonsils and tonsillitis?
- What are pharynx and pharyngitis?
- Viral causes of throat infection
- Bacterial causes of throat infection
- How common is strep throat?
- Is strep throat contagious?
- What are the signs and symptoms of strep throat?
- Are strep throat symptoms different in children compared to adults?
- When should I be concerned about a possible strep throat?
- How is strep throat diagnosed?
- Who should be tested for strep throat?
- How is strep infection treated?
- How can viral throat infection be treated?
- Are there any recommended strep throat remedies and symptom reducers?
- When should the tonsils be removed?
- Why is it very important to detect and treat a strep throat?
- What are the potential complications of untreated strep throat infection?
- Is there a vaccine for strep throat?
- Can strep throat be prevented?
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Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Whooping cough (pertussis) is highly contagious respiratory infection that is caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. There...learn more »In This ArticleWhooping Cough (Pertussis) Article- Whooping cough (pertussis) facts
- What is whooping cough? What is the history of whooping cough?
- What causes whooping cough?
- What are risk factors for whooping cough?
- Can whooping cough be prevented with a vaccine?
- What are whooping cough symptoms, signs, and stages?
- How is whooping cough transmitted?
- Can adults get whooping cough?
- How is whooping cough diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for whooping cough?
- What is the prognosis for whooping cough?
- What are possible complications of whooping cough?
- Where can people find more information about whooping cough (pertussis)?
Other Causes of Cold
- Viral infections
- Bacterial infections
- Rhinovirus infection
- Coronavirus infection
- Parainfluenza virus infection
- Nasal polyps
- Drug abuse or addiction
- Tobacco smoke
- Consuming spicy foods
Examples of Medications for Cold
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