Cold Symptoms: What Do They Look Like?

As the seasons change and the weather cools, colds become more common. Whether you have the sniffles and a sore throat or are wiped out with a temperature, cough and an achy body¹, figuring out whether you have a cold can help you make a plan to support your recovery.

Some common cold symptoms include1:

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Stuffy or runny nose

Keep reading to learn more about the common cold, how long you can expect it to last, how to support your recovery, and some changes to look out for as you age.

What does a cold look like?

Colds are some of the most common occurrences in the world², with the common cold the most common of all³. You can typically tell if you have a cold based on the symptoms. Noticing the difference in symptoms can help you support your body with a plan to get you back on your feet².

Here are the main facts about colds:

• A cold is caused by one of 200 viruses¹
• Cold symptoms gradually increase but are less severe²
• You may experience sneezing, a runny nose and a sore throat with a cold¹

Colds are contagious and it’s important to stay home while sick to minimise the spread¹.

What are the symptoms of a cold?

There are some common symptoms of colds like a cough and congestion¹. If it’s a cold, you’re more likely to have a sore throat and sneeze.

You certainly won’t feel your best with a cold, but the symptoms tend to be milder and more gradual than a flu¹. Cold symptoms can look like:

• Cough 
• Sore throat
• Congestion
• Sneezing

If you catch a bad cold, you may come down with a low-grade fever or fatigue, but it’s not very common¹. 

Why it’s important to know common cold symptoms 

It may come as no surprise that children tend to get more colds than adults, experiencing around six to eight colds a year, while adults may only get two to four⁴. As babies, toddlers or children may not be able to tell or explain to you when they’re feeling under the weather, knowing the signs of baby cold symptoms or those in older kids can help you act sooner to give them some relief. If you suspect your child may be unwell, it’s best to take them directly to a healthcare professional for advice.

Symptoms of a cold in adults

Some common symptoms of cold in adults include sore throat, sneezing, blocked or runny nose, headache, cough, tiredness, fevers and body aches⁵. Older adults and those with existing medical conditions may experience more severe cold symptoms¹. 

In most cases, you’ll start to feel better on your own, but if your symptoms are not improving after a few days, you should book in to see a healthcare professional⁵.

How long do cold symptoms last?

Most common colds will last around seven to ten days, with a cough commonly lasting a few more days6. Some colds can be worse than others, with symptoms lasting longer. However, if your symptoms are ongoing, it’s important to check with your doctor.

How to relieve cold symptoms

Whichever sickness you have, you likely want to know how to get rid of cold symptoms. Getting lots of rest, drinking plenty of water, eating healthy foods and keeping warm is always a good place to start, regardless of whether it’s a cold or flu¹. 

If your symptoms persist after a few days, it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional¹.

How do you know if it's a cold or not?

Some of the symptoms of cold can make it tricky to understand what you might have. However, there are some key signs, including¹:

• Cold symptoms are typically gradual
• A fever is milder with a cold
• Fatigue is often mild with a cold
• Body chills are rare with a cold
• Congestion and sneezing are more common with colds

The common cold is one of the leading reasons for visits to GPs⁷. For most people, monitoring your symptoms and resting at home can be enough¹. If you’re noticing symptoms continuing, persistent cold symptoms in adults or fever, it’s important to see a healthcare professional¹.

Supporting your immune system can help you manage colds¹. The Swisse Wellness Hub is a great place to find information on what to eat to beat cold and flu symptoms and the benefits of vitamin C, zinc and other vitamins to support your immune system before winter.

References:

1. Healthdirect.gov.au. (2018). Cold or flu? (infographic). [online] Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cold-or-flu-infographic. 
2. Eccles R. Understanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza. Lancet Infect Dis. 2005 Nov;5(11):718-25. doi: 0.1016/S1473-3099(05)70270-X. PMID: 16253889
3. Dennis Wat, The common cold: a review of the literature, European Journal of Internal Medicine, Volume 15, Issue 2, 2004,Pages 79-88,ISSN 0953-6205,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejim.2004.01.006.
4. Australia, H. (2022). Colds and flu in babies and children. [online] www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au. Available at: https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/colds-and-flu-in-babies-and-children. 
5. Australia, H. (2020). Cold and flu. [online] www.healthdirect.gov.au. Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/colds. 
6. Mayo Clinic (2019). Common cold - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic. [online] Mayoclinic.org. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351611. 
7. Fashner J, Ericson K, Werner S. Treatment of the common cold in children and adults. Am Fam Physician. 2012 Jul 15;86(2):153-9. PMID: 22962927. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22962927/