Info about Colds
Common cold symptoms
The common cold, also called acute viral rhinopharyngitis, viral upper respirotory tract infection, acute coryza or just cold is a viral, contagious infectious disease that develops in the upper respiratory system and it is mainly caused by coronaviruses and rhinoviruses. There is no cure for cold, but it generally cures automatically after seven to ten days. However, some of its symptoms may last as long as three weeks.
The symptoms of the common cold are usually visible after one to three days after catching the virus. The first sign that you may suffer from common cold is a burning feeling in the throat or nose. Then, the sneezing starts and it followed by a running nose and the general impression that you are tired and unwell.
During the first days, your nose will teem with nasal secretions that are watery. Afterwards, these will become darker and thicker. This does not mean that your condition has worsen and you have developed an infection, but it is a sign that your organism has made some steps in the direction of healing.
The next sign that appears in the case of cold is a mild fever. It will not become more serious, but it is probable to last until the second weel of your cold and it can get quite annoying. If there are some other respiratory conditions you suffer from such as chronic bronchitis, then you should see your GP as it will probably worsen. Moreover, if your lungs seem to be too affected then it may mean that you have a bacterial infection. Again, a visit to your GP is recommended. However, these symptoms may appear as a result of a virus infection other than a rhinovirus.
Fever is not a usual symptom when it comes to common cold. This may be the sign that you actually suffer from flu.
Cold symptoms appear between one and four days after you have been infected by a virus and they will last for the next three or four days. Then, what was worst has already passed, but the feeing of weakness will probably last for another week.
You have to know that during the first three days after you start to show signs and symptoms of cols you are contagious. Therefore, you can infect other people. Consequently, it is recommended to stay at home and get some rest. You will do a favor to both you and the others.
Colds are not usually dangerous and they will heal by themselves without sepcial treatment in maximum ten days. However, they represent a strain for your entire organism and you may be then more senzitive to bacterial infections.
If your cold gets worse instead of healing or if the symptoms you present are too powerful, you should definitely ask a doctor’s opinion. The reason why you are so affected may be explained by a bacterial infection. In this case, a treatment with antibiotics is required. Just drink lots of liquids and take care of yourself!