The first symptom of a cold is usually a sore, or irritated, throat. This is then followed by symptoms that include:
- nasal congestion,
- nasal pain and irritation,
- sneezing,
- a nasal discharge (a runny nose) - the discharge is usually clear and runny at first before becoming thicker and darker over the course of the infection,
- coughing - this symptom occurs in 1 out of every 3 cases,
- a hoarse voice, and
- a general sense of feeling unwell.
Less common symptoms of a cold include:
- high temperature (fever); this is usually mild with a temperature of around 38-39C (100.4–102.2F),
- headache,
- muscle pain,
- loss of taste and smell,
- mild irritation of your eyes, and
- a feeling of pressure in your ears and/or face.
The symptoms of a cold usually peak in severity during the first 2-3 days of the infection before gradually starting to improve. The symptoms in adults and older children will usually last for about a week. However, if you or your child has a cough, it may last for up to three weeks.
Colds tend to last longer in younger children who are five years of age, or younger, with their symptoms typically lasting between 10-14 days.
