The common cold typically has three stages, during which you may experience different symptoms. A cold can spread for a short while before symptoms start and for a week or so after.

Though many people associate cold season with winter, you can get a cold anytime during the year.

The CDC reports that adults have an average of two to three colds each year, while children can have even more.

While you can’t cure the common cold, there’s a lot to be said for prevention and self-care tips as your body works to rid itself of the virus.

Keep reading to learn how the common cold progresses, how to treat it and support recovery, and when to contact a doctor.

life cycle of the common cold infographicShare on Pinterest
Infographic by Bailey Mariner

The tickle of an impending cold is all too familiar and can cause the desperate need to down glasses of orange juice and use lots of hand sanitizer.

If your throat is already tingling or scratchy, it’s likely that one of the 200 strains of the common cold virus, most commonly the rhinovirus, has already settled in for the next 7 to 10 days.

Common early cold symptoms during this stage include:

  • tingling or scratchy throat
  • body aches
  • tiredness or fatigue

Dr. Doug Nunamaker, a family practice physician and chief medical officer forAtlas MD, explains that most people don’t do enough to care for their symptoms in the first days of a cold.

Though there are several over-the-counter (OTC) treatments and remedies that can ease the symptoms of a cold during this stage, Nunamaker also suggests reaching for one of the most common dishes for people with a cold or flu: chicken noodle soup.

“It’s easy on the stomach, soothes the throat, [and] provides fluid for hydration,” he explains. If you have a fever or are sweating, he adds, chicken soup can also help replenish some of the salt your body might lose.

In terms of contagion levels, Nunamaker says your cold is contagious if you present “active symptoms.” So, the tickle in your throat, runny nose, body aches, and even low grade fever mean the virus can potentially spread to others around you.

Recovery tips

Reducing spread

From a few hours after exposure until symptoms have mostly gone away, the cold virus may be contagious.

You can reduce the risk of spread by:

  • avoiding contact with others by staying home from work or school
  • washing your hands often with soap and warm water
  • coughing and sneezing into the crook of your elbow or a tissue
  • immediately disposing of used tissues and washing your hands
  • avoid kissing, sharing food or drinks, and shaking hands with others

This is when the virus is at its peak intensity. You might find during this time that everything hurts, and your face feels like a running faucet. You may even experience a fever, which can be alarming.

Because you have a virus, your immune system is compromised. A fever, explains Nunamaker, is your body’s way of defending your immune system.

“[A fever is] nature’s antibiotic. Let it ride,” he explains.

Nunamaker adds that a fever isn’t a concern until it’s 102 to 103°F (39°C). Up to 100.4°F (38°C), you’re considered to have an “elevated temperature,” not a fever.

Fevers with a cold can be easily confused with the flu. However, the flu has more severe symptoms. It comes on hard and fast and usually includes a headache.

The most common symptoms during this stage include:

As was the case in stage 1, the virus is contagious. During this time, it’s best to continue being mindful about being around others and avoiding physical interactions.

Recovery tips

  • Avoid smoking, if you smoke; it temporarily paralyzes the cilia in the airways that help clear the lungs of particles. When they don’t work well, infections are more likely to develop.
  • Avoid asking your healthcare professional for an antibiotic. A cold is a viral infection, and an antibiotic will not help.
  • Use a cough suppressant if you find it difficult to sleep.
  • You can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) for body aches.
  • Get your daily vitamin C intake (1 to 2 grams per day) from fresh fruit like kiwis and oranges or from supplements.
  • Gargle with salt water, which may relieve sore throat pain.
  • Use a humidifier, or take a steam bath or shower.
  • Try lozenges or sprays containing a numbing agent for sore throat pain. Benzocaine is a topical numbing agent that can also help soothe sore throats.
  • Continue to take zinc supplements or lozenges.

While your body is working to eliminate the cold virus, it’s vital to stay hydrated throughout all three stages of your cold.

A cold typically wraps up around day 10. There are, of course, exceptions. If you’re still feeling the effects, your symptoms worsen, or your fever increases, then it’s time to re-evaluate and think about a different course of treatment. If this happens, you’ll want to contact a health professional.

Some people might also experience what’s known as the post-infectious cough, which is a nagging cough that can last between 3 and 8 weeks after your cold subsides. It typically results from lingering irritation. If, however, all your other symptoms have ended, the virus is usually no longer contagious.

If the other “active” symptoms are still present, the virus may still be contagious, and it’s best to continue to follow tips to prevent it from spreading.

The most common symptoms during this stage include:

  • cough
  • congestion
  • runny nose
  • fatigue

Recovery tips

  • Continue to cover your cough with your sleeve at the elbow or with a tissue, and wash your hands.
  • Continue taking an OTC ibuprofen, decongestant, cough suppressant, or antihistamine, as needed.

To manage a post-infectious cough, continue taking steps to stay hydrated and keep your nasal passages moist. If your cough is due to post-nasal drip, which occurs when mucus accumulates in your throat, sleeping elevated may help relieve it.

While it’s tempting to contact a doctor when you’re feeling crummy for a couple of days, it’s best to avoid doing so until after your symptoms have persisted for longer than 10 days.

If you are having chest pain, shortness of breath, or persistently high fevers, contact a doctor before waiting 10 days. You may need a chest X-ray to rule out pneumonia or other respiratory conditions. Even if antibiotics are needed, there are other therapies that can help keep your lungs open and your breathing better.

Sometimes, a viral respiratory infection can have complications, such as:

  • sinusitis or a sinus infection
  • pneumonia
  • ear infection

If your symptoms worsen or are concerning, it’s best to talk with a healthcare professional.

If you have underlying health conditions

However, if you have an underlying health condition that affects your breathing, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, or are elderly or immune-compromised from another health condition or treatment for one, it’s best to let your care team know you have a viral respiratory infection.

You should let them know if your symptoms become severe at any point during your illness or if they do not resolve in 10 days.

They can recommend follow-up and treatment if needed. This may involve cough medications, inhalers, steroids, antibiotics, and supportive care, such as supplemental oxygen or monitoring.

Many over-the-counter cold remedies can help manage the symptoms of the common cold. These can include:

  • pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol), and anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen (Advil)
  • lozenges with numbing agents for sore throats
  • OTC zinc supplements or lozenges
  • decongestants
  • cough syrup
  • vitamin C
  • antihistamines
  • combination cold medications that include multiple medications (which as a decongestant and cough suppressant)
  • saline nasal spray for dry nasal passages
  • using a humidifier or taking a warm shower

If you take a combination medication, avoid taking other medications that are contained in it.

When it comes to a cold, you’ve got to accept that it’s happening and ride it out. The very best thing you can do is take actions to prevent a cold by:

  • washing your hands frequently with soap and water
  • avoiding any unnecessary physical contact where you could contract the virus
  • staying hydrated and well-rested
  • eating a varied diet of foods that support your immune system, like fruit and vegetables

Finally, be mindful of how your health affects other people, especially those with compromised immune systems, and stay home when sick.

Brandi Koskie is the founder of Banter Strategy, where she serves as a content strategist and health journalist for dynamic clients. She’s got a wanderlust spirit, believes in the power of kindness, and works and plays in the foothills of Denver with her family.