Symptoms are the signs and feelings that a person experiences that may indicate they have a disease or illness. Symptoms are not observed or measured by others, and do not show up on medical tests. A person can only report their symptoms to a healthcare provider.
During the early stage of a cold, most people experience mild symptoms. The first symptom is often a sore throat, followed by a runny nose and congestion. Some people may also feel fatigued and have a low-grade fever during this stage. In addition, the mucus that runs from a person’s nose during this stage may turn gray or yellow and become thicker as the infection progresses.
By the middle of a cold, most symptoms are more severe. Typical symptoms include a runny nose, congestion, cough and sneezing. Some people may experience a fever, body aches and a loss of appetite. If a person continues to cough, it is important to visit a healthcare professional because persistent coughing can indicate a more serious health condition, such as an infection like pneumonia or bronchitis.
Drinking lots of fluids is one of the best things you can do to help your body fight a cold. Water, broths and even mom’s homemade chicken soup can be soothing to your throat, and warm liquids can liquefy nasal secretions. Inhaling steam from a hot shower or vaporizer can also loosen congestion. Be sure to wash your hands often and avoid sharing towels or other items with other people who may be sick.