Common cold - Viral respiratory infection

Very low urgency
Very common-

The most common upper respiratory infection caused by a virus.

It is spread through cough droplets and contact with hands contaminated with the virus.

It presents with sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy or sore throat, watery eyes, cough, general malaise and fatigue for about a week.

Diagnosis is clinical by interview; physical examination is typically normal.

Treatment is symptom based and antibiotics are not necessary as it is a viral infection. It is a mild illness that usually does not require in-person medical attention.

Bibliographic references
  1. Daniel J Sexton, Micah T McClain. The common cold in adults. UpToDate. Apr 05, 2016.
  2. Turner RB. Epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of the common cold. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 1997; 78:531.
  3. Little P, Moore M, Kelly J, et al. Ibuprofen, paracetamol, and steam for patients with respiratory tract infections in primary care: pragmatic randomised factorial trial. BMJ 2013; 347:f6041.
  4. Raphael Dolin. Infecciones respiratorias virales frecuentes.Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19ª Edición. 1202:1208.
  5. J. García San Miguel. Viriasis respiratorias. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen II. Duodécima edición. 2429:2430.
Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Runny nose


    Sneezing


    Cough


    Runny nose


    Sore throat

Symptoms to watch out for

Expectoration containing mucus, pus or blood
Fever (temperature higher than 100.4 ºF)
A feeling of shortness of breath
Persistence of symptoms for more than one week
Mental confusion
Loss of smell or taste

Self-care

Do not take antibiotics without a doctor's prescription.
For nasal congestion and runny nose, use nasal inhalers containing antihistamines and/or decongestants.
If you have pain, use over-the-counter pain relievers.