Day 1 and 2: Stuffy nose, sore throat and runny nose
A stuffy nose, runny nose, and sore throat are the most common first symptoms of a cold. However, a cold can have a variety of symptoms. These symptoms are a sign that the virus is directly affecting your respiratory system.
During the first days of a cold, the patient needs to rest as much as possible to minimize fatigue and maintain the immune system at its maximum level.
Days 3 to 5: More coughing and stuffy nose
During the next stage of the cold, nasal symptoms continue to develop, peaking on the third and fourth days. You may notice that your nasal discharge becomes thicker and yellow or green. This is due to a surge in the number of white blood cells your immune system has mobilized to fight the virus.
Over the next few days, the secretions tend to clear up. At this point, the cough may persist due to postnasal drip.
Day 6 and 7: Symptoms subside
A cold usually lasts 7-10 days and most people recover without treatment. However, cold symptoms may last longer in people with immune problems. For people with other underlying health problems such as diabetes, symptoms may be more severe. In this case, the patient should be taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment.
Colds are highly contagious, as the virus is transmitted from person to person through droplets. Furthermore, the early symptoms of a cold are often vague and can be easily overlooked. The best way to prevent colds is to boost your immune system by getting adequate nutrition, getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and exercising regularly.
