However, avoiding contact with an afflicted person is not always effective, because someone just coming down with a cold is contagious before they know that they have an infection. The contagious phase is in the first two to four days after symptoms. If one is ill or is immunocompromised in any way, one would be at increased risk of acquiring the infection. Those individuals at increased risk of getting sick in the first place, would also have a greater chance of having a complication occur. The belief that people are more susceptible to cold if they are stressed or tired or if exposed to wet or cold wether, has not been yet adequately substantiated.
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.