What are the symptoms of the common cold?

The symptoms of the common cold include:

• Coughing.
• Mild fatigue.
• Sore throat.
• Sneezing.
• Runny or stuffy nose.
• Low-grade fever.
• Head and body aches.

Different types of the common cold

There are several types of the common cold:

Rhinovirus: Rhinoviruses are the most common cause of the common cold, responsible for around half of all cases. These viruses are highly contagious and spread easily through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces. They typically cause mild symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, and cough.​

Coronavirus: While many people associate coronaviruses with more serious illnesses like COVID-19, several strains of human coronavirus (such as HCoV-229E and HCoV-OC43) normally cause mild cold-like symptoms and are part of the group of viruses that lead to common cold infections.​

Human Parainfluenza Virus (HPIV): HPIV can cause respiratory infections, including the common cold. It is especially common in children and may also lead to illnesses like bronchitis or pneumonia in some cases, though it often presents with typical cold symptoms.​

Adenovirus: Adenoviruses are another group of viruses that can lead to the common cold as well as other infections. In addition to cold symptoms, they may sometimes cause pink eye, bronchitis, or pneumonia, especially in children and people with weakened immune systems.​

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): RSV is a common virus that causes respiratory infections in people of all ages, but is especially significant in infants and older adults. It can lead to symptoms ranging from mild cold-like illness to more serious conditions like bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

What causes the common cold?

Many viruses can cause a common cold. Rhinoviruses are the most common cause.

• Virus enters through the mouth, nose, or eyes: Cold viruses infect the body when they reach the mucous membranes lining these areas.
• Airborne droplets: The virus spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes, releasing droplets into the air that others can inhale.
• Direct contact: Touching someone with a cold, such as shaking hands, can transfer the virus.
• Contaminated objects: The virus can survive on surfaces like doorknobs, phones, towels, or toys, and if you touch these and then touch your face, you can become infected.
• Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth: After touching an infected surface or person, bringing your hands to your face lets the virus enter your body.

Diagnosis of Common Cold

Most people with a common cold can be diagnosed by their symptoms.

• Based on symptoms: Doctors typically diagnose a common cold by asking about your symptoms, such as a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and cough, and by doing a physical examination. A characteristic pattern of these symptoms is usually enough to make the diagnosis.
• Clinical evaluation: A healthcare provider will check your nose, throat, and breathing during the physical exam to confirm signs of a cold and rule out more serious illnesses.
  No routine lab tests needed: Lab testing is not usually necessary for a common cold since it is a mild, self-limiting viral illness.
• No routine lab tests: Laboratory tests are not normally needed to diagnose a common cold, because it is a self-limiting viral infection, and symptoms alone typically point to the correct diagnosis.
• Swabs for specific viruses: In some cases, where another virus (like influenza or COVID-19) or complication is suspected, a nasal or throat swab may be done to identify the specific virus.​
• Additional tests if needed: If symptoms are severe, unusual, or suggest another condition, doctors may order blood tests, X-rays, or other exams to rule out bacterial infections or complications like pneumonia.