This is followed by a stuffy nose, sneezing and watery eyes. Within two days symptoms develop further to a runny nose, husky voice, muscle aches and pains and headache. Fever occurs in children but is rare in adults. Symptoms then gradually improve. The majority of colds will clear up in a week or so.
Some colds open the door to other illnesses.
Bacterial infections may gain the upper hand when your defences are down. Bacterial infection may develop in the ears, sinuses, airways and lungs. People with other lung problems such as asthma, emphysema or chronic heart are at risk. Antibiotics only attack bacteria and have no effect on the cold virus. On the other hand, cold symptoms can be greatly helped.