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It often starts with a funny feeling in your throat.

But soon, you experience more telltale signs of the common cold:

• A congested or runny nose.
• Coughing and sneezing.
• A sore throat.
• Watery eyes.

Unsurprisingly, most people want to know how to get rid of a cold fast. Though some say vitamins or other supplements help, researchers haven’t proved they speed up recovery.

But knowing how long a cold lasts can help you look forward to feeling like yourself again.

How Long Does a Head Cold Last?

A head cold (also known as the common cold) can last seven to 10 days in adults. That’s according to the MedlinePlus. The symptoms usually are at their worst in the first three to four days.

Wonder why a cold seems to last longer than previous colds or has different symptoms? Actually, many different viruses might be to blame for your common cold.

Most often, a variant of the rhinovirus is the culprit. But other viruses, including adenoviruses and coronaviruses, can also cause cold symptoms. Colds can last shorter or longer than a week, depending on the virus causing them.

Their symptoms can also vary. For some cold viruses, the main symptom is a sore throat, while congestion or a runny nose is the biggest issue for others.

Though some coronaviruses may cause common colds, illness from COVID-19 often causes more severe symptoms and lasts longer.

What Can You Do to Recover from a Cold Faster?

How to get rid of a cold fast is a problem every cold sufferer wants to solve. Though colds must run their course, over-the-counter (OTC) medications can temporarily relieve your symptoms.

Examples of OTC medicines for a cold include:

• Cough suppressants to reduce coughing.
• Decongestants to relieve stuffy noses.
• Expectorants to clear your chest.
• Lozenges to soothe sore throats.
• Pain relievers to reduce body aches or low fevers.

Take cold medicines and other OTC medicines with caution. Don’t mix cold medicine with other pain relievers or decongestants. Overdosing on medicines like Tylenol can happen easily if you take it alongside a cold medicine that already contains it.

If you’re pregnant, ask your doctor which OTC medications are safe to take. Many aren’t a good option during pregnancy.

Doctors also advise against some OTC pain relievers (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen) for people with asthma and stomach ulcers. Talk to your doctor if you’re unsure if you can take a medicine.

Home remedies can also reduce cold symptoms. These include running a humidifier and using a saltwater nasal spray or neti pot to break up congestion.

Plenty of rest and fluids are the most vital tools in your cold-fighting toolbox. These will help your immune system fight the virus. Limit caffeine, which can dehydrate, and stick to drinks like herbal tea, juice, and water.

Does vitamin C help with colds?

People have long linked vitamin C with preventing and relieving colds. However, though vitamin C can’t prevent colds, it may reduce the duration and severity of symptoms. That’s according to the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.

Think of it as an assistant on your recovery team, not the star player. If you’re considering adding vitamin C to your routine, a reasonable dosage is 500 mg to 1,000 mg daily. If you want it to help you feel better from a cold sooner, you must start taking it before you get sick.

What to eat when you have a cold

When you’re sick, your body needs proper nutrition and hydration to fight illness. Not eating enough can weaken your immune system and make fighting the virus harder.

Focus on nutrient-dense foods like soups rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. And don’t forget about fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, especially citrus fruits, leafy greens, and berries, which can help support your immune system.

What Are the Stages of a Cold?

In the early stages, colds typically start with a tingling, sore, or scratchy throat. Over the next few days, other symptoms usually present. They can include a stuffed-up or runny nose, body aches, fatigue, headache, and watery eyes.

Coughs often start a bit later, usually by day four. Around this time, other symptoms, like congestion, get better. Keep in mind that colds don’t always follow these typical stages.

Toward the latter half of the cold, you may find your mucus is thickening and looking darker in color. Thicker mucus is a sign your immune system has sent more virus-fighting cells to the nasal passages.

How Long Is a Cold Contagious?

People can pass on a cold a day or two before symptoms start. They remain contagious as long as they have symptoms. However, colds are especially infectious in the first few days of symptoms.

Coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose, or talking near someone else can spread a cold.

Though colds are a fact of life — most adults get two colds yearly — they’re certainly not fun.

To avoid spreading the misery to others in your household, follow these tips:

• Clean high-touch surfaces often. These include faucets, doorknobs, light switches, and countertops in the bathroom and kitchen. If you have disinfecting spray or wipes, use them.
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
• Don’t share cups, glasses, or eating utensils.
• If the weather allows, open windows (even if it’s just an inch or two) for ventilation.
• Keep your distance from others in your household.
• Wash your hands often when you have cold symptoms.

What if My Cold Lasts Longer Than Two Weeks?

Some people have cold symptoms for longer than a week.

A cold can spread to the bronchial tubes, which carry air to the lungs. This is bronchitis.

If you get it, your cough may continue for up to three weeks. That’s according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You may also feel soreness in your chest.

Your cold can also drag on if it infects the sinuses. Like bronchitis, sinusitis can last up to three weeks, according to the CDC. You may feel tenderness and pressure around your eyes and forehead if you have sinusitis.

For the most part, you can treat bronchitis and sinusitis at home. See a doctor if your symptoms get worse after 10 days.

If your symptoms aren’t getting worse but aren’t getting better, you may have allergies. Try an antihistamine or talk to your doctor.

In rare cases, the common cold can also lead to pneumonia, a lung infection that may require treatment. Pneumonia symptoms include chest pain while breathing, a rapid heartbeat, a high fever, sweating, and shivering.

When Should You See a Doctor for Cold Symptoms?

You should see a doctor if symptoms don’t improve after 10 days. A sore throat, painful swallowing, and fever above 101 F may indicate something requiring prompt treatment (like strep throat).

If you have worrying symptoms — like trouble breathing or coughing up blood — head to the ER.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published on January 4, 2023, and was last reviewed on September 6, 2024.