Common Cold: symptoms, self-care and when to get help
Checked against current published health guidance — last reviewed 2026-09-23. See how we check.
A common cold usually causes a runny or blocked nose, sore throat, sneezing, and a mild cough, and clears on its own within one to two weeks with rest and fluids. See a doctor if symptoms are severe, don't improve, or you have a high fever, breathing difficulty, or a condition that puts you at higher risk.
Overview
Colds are caused by viruses and spread through droplets and contact. Symptoms usually build gradually over a day or two, peak within a few days, and then ease off — though a cough can linger for a couple of weeks after everything else has settled.
There's no cure for a cold — treatment is about easing symptoms while your immune system deals with the virus.
What may help
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids
- A pharmacist can advise on decongestants, sore throat remedies, or fever/pain relief
- Warm drinks with honey and lemon can soothe a sore throat
- Steam inhalation or saline nasal sprays can help with congestion
When to see a pharmacist or GP
- Symptoms lasting more than three weeks
- A fever that's high or won't come down with usual medication
- Ear pain, facial pain, or a cough with green/yellow phlegm that's getting worse rather than better
- You're pregnant, elderly, have a long-term condition, or a weakened immune system and symptoms feel worse than a typical cold
When it could be an emergency
- Difficulty breathing, or breathlessness at rest
- Chest pain or pain when breathing in
- Confusion, drowsiness, or a high fever that doesn't settle
- Symptoms in a young baby, especially poor feeding, high fever, or breathing difficulty
If any of these apply, don't wait — call your local emergency number (see emergency numbers by country, or Red Flags in the app), or go straight to your nearest emergency department.
Want more detail, tailored to your own situation?
Look up "Common Cold" in the appCommon questions
How is a cold different from flu?
Colds usually come on gradually and are milder — flu tends to start suddenly with a high fever, body aches, and exhaustion that's more severe than a typical cold. See our separate flu guide.
Do antibiotics help a cold?
No — colds are caused by viruses, and antibiotics only work against bacterial infections. Taking them for a cold won't help and isn't recommended.
Can I go to work or school with a cold?
Generally yes once you feel well enough, though it's considerate to avoid close contact with anyone at higher risk while you're most infectious, usually the first few days.
How long does a cold last?
Most colds get better within 1 to 2 weeks. A cough can sometimes last a little longer.
Is a cold contagious?
Yes. Colds spread easily, and you are most infectious in the first few days. Washing hands and catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue helps reduce spread.
Official sources
Related topics
Flu (Influenza)
Symptoms, self-care, and when it turns serious.
Sore Throat
Causes, remedies, and when to get it checked.
Cough
How long a cough lasts and when to get it checked.
Sinusitis
Blocked, painful sinuses and when to get help.
General information only, last checked 2026-09-23 — not medical advice and not a diagnosis. This page doesn't cover every cause or every person's situation; for anything specific to you or someone in your care, speak to a pharmacist, GP, or other qualified professional. See how we check. Be Health Wise is part of the Be Wise family of apps.