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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.

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. The common cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract which can be caused by many different viruses.

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.

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.

How to tell if you have a cold, the flu or COVID-19

Common cold symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing, congestion, mild body aches, headache, and low-grade fever.

While you might be familiar with the common cold, there are some things to know about this condition that can help you feel better, avoid future colds, and reduce the spread of a virus.

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. Typical common cold symptoms include cough, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose.