The Stages of Cold - Causes, Symptoms, Stages and Prevention

What Is a Common Cold?

The common cold, also called viral rhinitis, is an upper respiratory infection caused by several viruses. It is one of the most common infectious diseases affecting humans. It can affect people of all ages, but children are most affected. Although the common cold is more common in winter and spring, it is possible to get it at any time during the year.

What Are the Causes of the Common Cold?

Several different respiratory viruses can cause the common cold, but the most common are rhinoviruses. Other viruses that can cause common colds include

• Human parainfluenza viruses.

• Adenovirus.

• Coronavirus (COVID-19).

• Respiratory syncytial virus.

• Human metapneumovirus.

What Are the Early Symptoms of Common Cold?

A runny nose and sore throat are usually the early signs of a common cold, followed by coughing and sneezing. The other symptoms may include:

• Coughing.

• Sneezing.

• Headaches.

• Body aches.

• Fever.

• Stuffy nose.

Recovery occurs within seven to ten days. After that, serious illnesses of people with weakened immune systems, asthma, or respiratory conditions may develop, such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

What Are the Different Stages of Common Cold?

On average, the common cold lasts for seven to ten days. However, the time period to recover and the exact course of the cold depends on several factors, including:

• The health of the immune system.

• Common cold virus.

• How one cares for themselves when sick.

The typical four stages of the common cold include the following,

Stage 1 - Incubation Period: The incubation period refers to the time between infection with a cold virus and the appearance of symptoms. For example, while symptoms of rhinoviruses can be seen from 12 hours to 72 hours after infection, other viruses take longer.

Stage 2 - Early or Prodromal Stage: This stage lasts for about one to three days of the cold. Usually, the initial symptoms that appear after the incubation period are irritation in the throat, followed by a sore throat and tiredness. Sneezing is another early symptom. At this stage, one can also experience a watery nasal discharge. Once the symptoms appear, a person becomes capable of spreading the virus to others.

Recovery tips -

• Take decongestants and cough syrup.

• Get enough sleep and rest.

• Stay hydrated by increasing fluid intake.

• OTC (over-the-counter) zinc supplements or lozenges within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms may reduce the severity of symptoms.

Stage 3 - Peak or Active Stage: This stage consists of days four to seven of the cold. This is when the symptoms are at their peak and get worse. One may develop a fever, especially in children rather than adults. The nasal discharge may become thicker and change colors. If left untreated, severe congestion can lead to potential complications of the common cold, such as middle ear infections, sinus infections, and pneumonia.

Recovery Tips -

• Take OTC medications such as Acetaminophen for controlling fever.

• Contact a doctor if one has a high temperature (greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius).

• The use of decongestants or OTC cough and cold remedies may ease symptoms in adults.

• Take Ibuprofen for body aches.

• Get one or two grams of vitamin C per day by eating fresh fruit or supplements.

• Gargle with saline water.

• Use a humidifier.

• Take a steam bath or shower.

• Use Chloraseptic or Cepacol lozenges to help soothe sore throats.

• Stay hydrated.

Stage 4 - Late or End-Stage: This stage is from the seventh day of the cold until the resolution of the symptoms. Most people may feel back to normal after the seventh day, while the symptoms may persist for almost three weeks for others. The total length of the common cold is highly variable, depending on the type of virus, the underlying health, and the infected person's immune response.

Some people who recover from a cold virus can develop a postinfectious cough. The persistent cough lasts for more than three weeks and lasts up to eight weeks following an upper respiratory virus infection. People with postinfectious cough are usually not contagious as long as their other symptoms have subsided. Still, seeing a healthcare professional to rule out other cold complications is important.

Recovery Tips -

• Continue taking OTC medicines, decongestants, cough suppressants, or lozenges.

When Should One Call a Doctor?

Call a doctor if:

• The symptoms go for longer than ten days or worsen after this time.

• If experiencing a post-infectious cough, rule out other cold complications such as pneumonia.

How Is Common Cold Prevented?

Viruses that cause common colds can spread from infected people to others either through the air or close personal contact. One can also get infected through contact with:

• Respiratory secretions from an infected person.

• By shaking hands with the infected person.

• Touching surfaces, like a doorknob, electrical switches, etc., may have respiratory viruses.

However, it is possible to lower the risk of getting a cold by implementing the following precautions:

• Frequent handwashing with soap and water is required for at least 20 seconds.

• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Viruses that cause colds can enter the body in this way.

• Stay away from infected people as they can spread cold through close contact, such as hugging or shaking hands.

• Always cough and sneeze into a tissue or the upper shirt sleeve, completely covering the mouth and nose. Wash hands after coughing and sneezing.

• Stay at home when sick and keep children out of school while they are sick.

• Disinfect the touched objects and surfaces, such as doorknobs, mobiles, and laptops.

How Long Does the Common Cold Last?

Usually, the common cold gets cleared within ten days. Most people recover even soon, and the common cold does not result in any serious condition.

What Is the Difference Between Cold vs. Flu?

Most of the symptoms of cold and flu are the same. Both usually occur during the colder climate and may affect the respiratory system. But the influenza virus causes flu, and many different viruses can cause colds. One main difference is that the flu can cause fever and chills, whereas the cold does not.

Conclusion:

The common cold is an upper respiratory tract infection most commonly caused by rhinovirus. A common cold stage consists of four phases - incubation, early, active, and late stage. A common cold will usually persist for around seven days to ten days. Consult a doctor if a person has cold symptoms for over ten days without improvement. One can prevent getting a cold by taking practical preventive measures.