However, the cold virus may be passed on to other individuals even before the infected person begins to experience symptoms. This is one reason why colds are hard to prevent. Usually the first indication of an infection is scratchiness or a tickling feeling in the throat. Within a few hours, a person may experience a stuffy nose, sneezing, and other forms of discomfort and illness. A cold is usually fully developed within 48 hours after the initial infection and may last from 4-14 days.
Health complications arising from colds are rare, but sometimes occur.
These can occur by aggravating pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, ear or sinus infections. Get plenty of rest, at least 8-10 hours of sleep each night. Inhale light steam. It might also help to stand in a hot steamy shower or draping a towel over one s head and holding it over a sink of steaming water. If possible, a person can use a cold steam vaporizer to add moisture to a room.