Which virus causes the common cold?

Cold viruses infect the upper airways, including the nose and throat. Different viruses can produce a similar pattern of sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, sore throat, cough and tiredness. Because there are many possible viruses, having a cold does not usually identify the exact virus. A cold can also spread before symptoms are obvious, especially through close contact and contaminated hands or surfaces.

Most uncomplicated colds improve with time. Symptoms can sometimes irritate nearby areas, such as the ears or sinuses, and a cough may continue after nasal symptoms begin to settle.

Rest when you can, drink fluids regularly and use warm drinks or simple soothing measures for a sore throat. Handwashing, covering coughs and avoiding close contact while unwell can reduce spread. Ask a pharmacist about symptom relief that fits your age, health conditions and medicines; antibiotics do not treat viruses.

Seek medical advice for breathing difficulty, chest pain, dehydration, confusion, a severe or worsening headache, or symptoms that are not settling. New severe ear pain, facial pain or a cough that becomes markedly worse may need assessment for another problem such as sinusitis, middle-ear infection or acute bronchitis.

Could another infection explain my symptoms? Which treatments are suitable with my current medicines? How should I reduce the chance of passing this illness to people at home?