We often call a cold and its symptoms the flu. These are two different diseases, although both are caused by viruses. Cold symptoms are milder and progress more slowly than flu symptoms. Check if the disease that is bothering you is a cold.
Coldis a disease that slowly gains ground and develops gradually. Thissymptoms of a coldare different from the flu attacking suddenly and violently.Coldstarts with a deterioration in well-being and fatigue. This drop in energy does not raise our vigilance yet, but people who know their body well then often say: I think something is taking me.
Cold symptoms
A cold very often starts with a scratchy throat. Sometimes the pain appears high, in the immediate vicinity of the nose, sometimes it is deeper - closer to the larynx. Depending on the virus that attacked us (and it could be one of over 200 viruses that cause a cold), our throat hurts more and more, or a scratchy throat turns into sneezing and we get a runny nose. The discharge feels watery at first, and our nose feels like it is pouring. A runny nose may be accompanied by a headache and a stuffy nose and sinuses. Common colds often increase the temperature. Usually it is a low-grade fever, but there are infections with a fever of up to 38 degrees C. The symptoms of a cold gradually worsen over 4-6 days.
Symptoms of a cold in full bloom
When a cold shows up after a few days, the discharge from the nose becomes thicker. We have a stuffy nose and difficulty breathing, especially at night, and we speak through our nose in a distinctly changed voice. The secretion runs down the throat and may re-infect the throat causing pain and causing coughing. At this stage, the cough is usually wet, we may have problems with coughing up the thick mucus.
When cold symptoms disappear
A cold usually lasts about a week, sometimes a little longer. Cold symptoms begin to subside after 6-7 days. We start to feel better, our energy returns, although the feeling of an irritated nose may accompany us for a few more days - up to a week. The mucous membranes gradually contract and we begin to speak normally. We may still have a feelingsore throat and cough. However, the symptoms should disappear in the following days. If it gets worse, you get a sore throat, a temperature increase or a stronger cough - see your doctor. Most likely, viruses paved the way for bacteria and a bacterial complication of the common cold. Your doctor will likely prescribe an antibiotic to prevent you from developing sinusitis or bronchitis.