The Common Cold: Symptoms and Causes

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Congestion and a runny nose are common cold symptoms, but they’re not the first, or the only, symptoms. Colds tend to start with a sore or scratchy throat and fatigue or a feeling of being run down. Once the sniffles, sneezing, and congestion have set in, you're likely to be a good few days into the cold.

A cold-induced runny nose usually produces a thin, clear drainage that may become slightly thicker at the height of your symptoms.

There's no cure for the common cold, so while your symptoms runs their course, use these tips to relieve your symptoms and help your body get healthy again. If your nasal discharge is thick, dark yellow or green, or your symptoms last more than 10 days, call your doctor.