10 Common Cold Symptoms

By christine

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Cold Versus Flu.' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 31 Aug. 2020, www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/coldflu.htm
• 2. 'Common Colds: Protect Yourself and Others.' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 7 Oct. 2020, www.cdc.gov/features/rhinoviruses/index.html
• 3. 'Common Colds: Overview.' InformedHealth.org /[Internet/]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8 Oct. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279543/
• 4. 'Why Do Muscles, Joints Ache during the Flu?' News, news.llu.edu/health-wellness/why-do-muscles-joints-ache-during-flu
• 5. 'Chest Cold (Acute Bronchitis).' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 14 Apr. 2021, www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/bronchitis.html

Medical Expert

More About Us

Many people wonder if they have a cold or flu when their nose runs or a cough develops. Both share several of the same symptoms, including a runny or stuffy nose, cough, chest congestion, sore throat and fever.

The speed at which symptoms begin can help determine whether it's the common cold or the flu. For example, a cold's symptoms come on gradually and rarely include a fever. On the other hand, the flu hits hard and fast. In addition, its symptoms normally include a fever, body aches and chills. Keep reading to learn more about common cold symptoms.¹‘Cold Versus Flu.’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 31 Aug. 2020, www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/coldflu.htm

Runny Nose

A runny nose is typically one of the first common cold symptoms. It causes clear mucus to come out of the nose. Sometimes the color changes to a white or yellow color. The purpose is to help the immune system wash the virus from the body, but the nose can become sore after too much blowing.

Try using a cool-mist vaporizer and drink plenty of liquids to thin out the mucus to make it easier to breathe. Additionally, a saline nasal spray might help people with a cold feel better.