How long does a Cold last?

Many of us suffer from cold three or four times a year. Well, it is not surprising much as they are the most common diseases which are infectious.

Colds cause more absenteeism than other illnesses. But, do you actually know how long does it last? Let’s find it out together

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First of all, let’s understand ‘What Causes Colds?’

Most of the times, colds happen due to viruses, known as rhinoviruses, that cannot be seen by our eyes and are in the form of droplets in the air which we breathe or lie on things which we touch. If they enter through the protective lining of your nose or throat, then it starts off an immune system reaction. This, in turn, leads to a bad headache, sore throat and make it hard for you to breathe.

At times, nobody gets to know why they got affected. Funny, right? But you must know that you won’t catch a cold if you have wet hair, not dressed warmly when it’s cold and more. Do you know why? 

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How Long Does A Cold Last?

The First Day:

You get to see the symptoms of a cold usually 2-3 day’s post initial infection. By the time you realize it, you have been probably contagious for two or three days in a row.  On the first day, you experience a tickle in the back of your throat and you would try to seek as many tissues you can.  Also, it would difficult to determine whether it’s a cold or flu. Generally, flu causes intense body aches than cold.

2-3 Days

You will feel worse symptoms on the second and third day such as an incessant runny nose and intense sore throat.  You might also get a fever with a temperature low than 102 Fahrenheit. You might not feel much different from your first day if you had started taking medicines previously. Don’t stop taking fluids and rest to get rid of a few sniffles and coughs.

7-10 Days

In this period, your body is likely to have an upper hand in a battle against infection. You will also feel a little stronger as some of your symptoms start getting reduced. You recover slowly during this period!

10th Day And Beyond

If you don’t feel good by day ten then you surely will by day fourteen. Though, you might be suffering from some symptoms still such as a runny nose, tickle in your throat. But, you should be feeling sturdier than before. That would be an indication that you are recovering pretty well!

What Is The Thin Life Of Difference Between A Flu And Cold?

Colds and flu are much confused when it comes to their meaning. Both the viruses that cause the respective disease are way too different than each other.  That is why a cold cannot be turned into flu and vice-versa. In addition, the symptoms of the flu are way too worse than of cold though cold’s symptoms arrive quite early compared to that of flu. When you suffer from flu, you get to know! You expect yourself to be faced by instant chills, fever and aching muscles and much more. Also, on the other hand, colds are often equated with a sore throat and runny nose, and they are more common than flu.

(Featured Image Courtesy: Kitchen Panacea)