Ever wondered, “What exactly is a cold?” Well, it’s a super common viral infection of your nose and throat, and almost everyone gets one multiple times a year!
One of the first and most annoying signs is often a runny or stuffy nose. Picture this: sometimes it’s like a faucet turned on, clear and watery. Other times, it’s completely blocked, making it hard to breathe!
Next up, that scratchy, irritating feeling at the back of your throat. Yes, it’s a sore throat! It can feel like sandpaper or a constant tickle, making swallowing a bit uncomfortable.
And of course, there’s the classic duo: coughing and sneezing! These are your body’s ways of trying to expel the virus, but they can certainly be tiring and disruptive.
Beyond the localized symptoms, you might feel a general sense of tiredness, almost like your energy has been zapped. This fatigue often comes with mild body aches and sometimes, a dull headache.
Sometimes, a cold can also bring a low-grade fever, meaning your temperature might be a little elevated, but usually not very high. It’s just your body fighting off the infection.
Most cold symptoms typically last for about 7 to 10 days. If your symptoms get worse, or don’t improve after a week and a half, it’s always a good idea to chat with your doctor.