Outbreaks are usually seasonal, occurring mainly in the fall, early winter and spring. The period from infection to onset of symptoms is brief, in most cases no more than one to two days. Disease onset is usually heralded by a sore throat, along with sneezing, and a runny nose. Cough, headaches, fatigue and muscle aches may also occur. In most adults, there is no fever, however, fever may occur, especially in small children.
Children usually recover from a cold in seven to fourteen days.
The course of the disease may be complicated by bacterial infections that may cause sinusitis, bronchitis or ear infections. It is very important to remember that several very serious diseases may, in the beginning, resemble the common cold. The diagnoses are generally made after other symptoms develop. Patients have to be cautioned that if the disease process does not conform to the expected pattern, then they should seek help from their doctor or clinic. Influenza also resembles the cold in the beginning, however, the symptoms progress and become more severe, with fever and body aches typically occurring.