Often the first sign of a cold is a dry, scratchy sore throat.

 

 

 

 

 

Source:
Eccles R.
Understanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza.
Lancet Infectious Diseases. 2005; 5: 718-725.

 

 

 

 

 

¹ You may also:

Your cold may be caused by one of more than 200 different

 

 

 

 

 

viruses
Viruses are microbes (tiny organisms) that need the cells of humans or other animals to exist. They use the machinery of cells to reproduce. Then they spread to other cells in the body.

 

 

 

 

 

viruses.

 

 

 

 

 

Source:
Heikkinen T, Jarvinen A.
The common cold.
Lancet. 2003; 361: 51-59.

 

 

 

 

 

² That's why you can get lots of colds. Even if your body learns how to fight off one kind of cold virus, you can still catch the other kinds.

When someone has a cold, the mucus in their nose is full of the cold virus. Sneezing and blowing the nose can spread the virus as tiny drops in the air. You can catch a cold by breathing in the virus. But you're more likely to catch a cold by touching something that's got cold viruses on it, such as a door handle, and then touching your nose, eyes, or mouth.

 

 

 

 

 

Source:
Lauber B.
The common cold.
Journal of General Internal Medicine. 1996; 11: 229-236.

 

 

 

 

 

³

You're most likely to pass on a cold in the first two or three days that you have it.

Children tend to have a lot of colds because the body takes time to build up immunity. So you have fewer colds as you get older. Your body learns to fight off a particular kind of virus each time you get an

 

 

 

 

 

infection
You get an infection when viruses, bacteria, fungi or other tiny organisms get into your body. These bugs are so tiny that you can't see them without a microscope. For example, an infection in your airways causes the common cold. And an infection in your skin can cause rashes such as athlete's foot.

 

 

 

 

 

infection.

Adults who have a lot of contact with children are also more likely to catch a cold.

The information on ConsumerReportsHealth.org should not be viewed as a substitute for a consultation with a medical or health professional. The information is meant to enhance communication with your doctor, not replace it. Consumers Union can not be liable for any loss, injury, or other damages related to your use of this information.

Your use of this information is subject to our User Agreement available at www.ConsumerReportsHealth.org.