Signs and symptoms
... Symptoms of a common cold usually appear about one to three days after exposure to a cold virus. Signs and symptoms of a common cold may include: Runny or stuffy nose Itchy or sore throat Cough Conges...

Causes
... Although more than 200 viruses can cause a common cold, the rhinovirus is the most common culprit. Many cold viruses are highly contagious. A cold virus enters your body through your mouth or nose, bu...

Risk factors
... Children are especially susceptible to common colds because they haven''t yet developed resistance to most of the viruses that cause them. But an immature immune system isn''t the only thing that make...

When to seek medical advice
... A common cold generally goes away in about a week, although it may not disappear as quickly as you''d like. If your signs and symptoms last longer than a week, you may have a more serious illness, suc...