What is the Common Cold?

Common colds can have you sneezing, coughing, and blowing your nose for days. Specialty Care Clinics Dallas is nearby to evaluate if we can help treat your cold symptoms so you can get back to feeling well.

The common cold, caused by over 200 viruses, affects billions of people annually in the US, causing school closures and work missed. The average child experiences 8-10 colds in their first few years. While most colds cause minor discomfort, they can lead to secondary infections like bronchitis, pneumonia, sinus, and ear infections, particularly in children.

Cold Symptoms

Most people recognize signs of a cold. Most colds will typically begin with a sore throat and runny nose. And, in general, cold symptoms tend to happen in stages – at the beginning, middle, and end of your cold.

Beginning/Early Stage – 1 to 3 Days

Some early warning signs to slow down and rest include:

Middle Stage – 4 to 7 Days

This is usually the peak of your cold and you’ll likely experience:

  • Sneezing

  • Coughing

  • Congestion or running nose

  • A mild fever in children (101° F - 102° F)

  • Mild achiness

  • Tiredness / fatigue

End Stage – 8 to 10 Days

Most colds will wind down with a few remaining symptoms:

  • Cough

  • Runny or stuffy nose

  • Congestion

  • Tiredness / fatigue

If your cold lasts longer than ten days or your symptoms have worsened by the end stage of your cold, see your primary care provider or visit SCC Dallas. This might be a sign that you have developed a secondary infection that may require treatment with prescription medication.

Diagnosing a Cold

Colds are generally diagnosed by observing symptoms. Tests to identify the virus are not necessary.

Treating a Cold

Because colds are viral illnesses, they cannot be treated with antibiotics. There are a number of things, though, that can help relieve symptoms:

  • Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids.

  • Use saline spray or a nasal rinse.

  • For a sore throat, gargle warm salt water.

  • Use a cool mist vaporizer / humidifier.

  • Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help ease aches and reduce fever.


Before starting a new medication, consult your healthcare provider to determine if taking these medications are appropriate for you.

Preventing a Cold

Because colds are so common, it’s nearly impossible to prevent contracting a cold some time in your life. But there are some steps you can take to protect yourself during the peak of cold and flu season:

  • Avoid touching your face, nose, mouth, and eyes – places where germs can enter your body.

  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.

  • Wash your hands as often as you can, especially if you touch shared surfaces (e.g. door handles) in high-traffic areas.


And, finally, if you or your children are sick with a cold, there are measures you can take to help prevent the spread of illness:


  • Stay home from work or keep your child out of school during the peak of the cold.

  • Sneeze or cough into the crook of your elbow if you don’t have a tissue handy.

  • Wash your hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Differences Between a Cold and the Flu

Colds and the flu are both viral illness, and sometimes it can be hard to tell them apart. With our helpful chart below, you can learn about cold and flu symptoms and how the symptoms may show up differently for a cold or the flu.

Differences Between a Cold and COVID-19

SCC Dallas provides COVID-19 evaluations, testing, and treatment for adults with mild to moderate COVID-19, including Paxlovid*, to help determine if treatment is appropriate for both the common cold and COVID-19, and to reduce the risk of severe disease progression.