The common cold is an upper respiratory infection that affects your nose, throat, sinuses and windpipe. Colds usually go away on their own within a week to 10 days.

May 24, 2023 · In adults or children, a common cold that lasts a while can lead to swelling and pain in the sinuses. These are air-filled spaces in the skull above the eyes and around the nose.

Coronaviruses are a group of viruses known for causing the common cold. They have a halo or crown-like (corona) appearance when viewed under an electron microscope.

Feb 23, 2026 · Common types of colds include rhinovirus, coronaviruses, and human parainfluenza virus. Tests can determine the cause of your cold, but it's usually not necessary. Covering coughs …

Feb 19, 2026 · Learn about the common cold, its causes and spread, signs and symptoms and ways to prevent it.

Is it the common cold, the flu or COVID-19? Our infection prevention expert helps you tell the symptoms apart so you can seek the best treatment.

Feb 3, 2026 · Common cold symptoms tend to affect the upper airways, like the nose, head, and throat. Learn how symptoms progress with a viral cold.

May 8, 2025 · Learn 12 science-backed ways to try to shorten the aches, chills, sneezing, and coughing of the common cold. The key is to start treating your cold as soon as possible.

The common cold is an upper respiratory tract infection caused by many different viruses. The common cold is transmitted by virus-infected airborne droplets or by direct contact with infected secretions. …

There are at least 200 different cold viruses, the most common one being the rhinovirus ("nose virus"). Symptoms of a cold usually include a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, muscle aches, …