Home›Diseases & Conditions›Common Cold
Common Cold
Reviewed by the PMC Medical Team · Promise Medical Centre
Overview
The common cold is a mild, self-limiting viral infection of the upper respiratory tract — the nose and throat. It is one of the most frequent illnesses affecting people of all ages, with adults experiencing an average of 2–3 colds per year and children even more, particularly during the rainy season and periods of dusty harmattan winds in Nigeria. Although uncomfortable, the common cold is usually harmless and resolves on its own within 7–10 days.
Symptoms
• Runny or blocked/stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Sore or scratchy throat
• Mild cough
• Watery eyes
• Mild headache
• Low-grade fever (more common in children)
• Mild body aches and general tiredness
• Loss of smell or taste (mild, temporary)
When to See a Doctor
Most colds can be managed at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter symptom relief, and do not require a doctor's visit. See a doctor if symptoms last longer than 10 days without improving, or worsen after initially improving.
Seek prompt medical care if you notice:
• High fever (above 39°C) or fever lasting more than 3 days
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Severe headache, facial pain, or sinus pressure that doesn't improve
• Ear pain (possible ear infection, especially in children)
• Symptoms that improve then suddenly worsen
• Chest pain or a cough producing thick yellow-green or bloody mucus
• In infants: refusal to feed, unusual lethargy, or breathing difficulty
Causes
The common cold is caused by viruses — most often rhinoviruses, but also coronaviruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and others. These viruses spread through:
• Airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing
• Direct contact with an infected person (e.g. handshakes)
• Touching contaminated surfaces (doorknobs, phones) and then touching the nose, mouth, or eyes
Risk Factors
• Close contact with someone who has a cold (schools, markets, crowded transport)
• Weakened immune system
• Young age (children have less immunity to common viruses) or advanced age
• Smoking, which impairs the airway's natural defences
• Seasonal changes, particularly the harmattan period with dry, dusty air
• Poor sleep and chronic stress
Complications
Complications are uncommon but can include:
• Sinus infection (sinusitis)
• Ear infection (otitis media), especially in young children
• Worsening of asthma or chronic bronchitis
• Secondary bacterial infections, including pneumonia in vulnerable individuals
Prevention
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after being in public places
• Avoid close contact with people who have colds
• Avoid touching the face, especially the eyes, nose, and mouth
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow
• Keep living and work spaces well ventilated
• Maintain a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and regular exercise to support immunity
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces