How many days can a common cold last?

Early symptoms may include throat irritation, sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, and reduced energy. Nasal symptoms can change as the illness runs its course, while a cough may remain after congestion starts to settle because the airways are still irritated. Improvement should be gradual rather than a steady decline followed by a marked deterioration. A cold is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not shorten it. Other conditions, including sinusitis or acute bronchitis, can resemble a cold when symptoms become more focused or severe.

Prioritise sleep and take regular fluids. Warm drinks, honey for adults and older children, saline nasal rinses, and a humidified environment can ease irritation. Choose symptom medicine carefully and follow its instructions; ask a pharmacist about suitability if you are pregnant, treating a child, or taking other medicines. Reduce close contact while you feel unwell and wash your hands after blowing your nose or coughing.

Contact a clinician if symptoms are not gradually improving, return after clear improvement, or interfere substantially with sleep, eating, or normal activity. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, severe dehydration, or a child who is unusually difficult to wake. Facial pain, persistent fever, or a worsening cough can need assessment for another infection.

Ask what symptom pattern is expected for you, whether your medicines are appropriate, and what change would mean you should return for review.