Learn what a typical Common cold prognosis is at Consumer Reports Health.

Common cold

What will happen to me?

Common colds usually last only a few days. But some symptoms may last longer, especially a cough.

Your symptoms will probably be at their worst within two or three days of catching a cold. You'll generally be clear of your cold in a week to 10 days. But you may be left with a cough that can take three weeks or more to go away.

Source:
Heikkinen T, Jarvinen A.
The common cold.
Lancet. 2003; 361: 51-59.

A cold isn't a serious illness. But you may feel uncomfortable, or need time off work or school to recover.

Source:
Arroll B.
Common Cold.
In: The Cochrane Library. Wiley, Chichester, UK.

You probably won't need to see your doctor if you have a cold. But if you're no better after two weeks or if you're worried about an old or young person with a cold, talk with your doctor.

Sometimes after a cold you may have other

infection
You get an infection when viruses, bacteria, fungi or other tiny organisms get into your body. These bugs are so tiny that you can't see them without a microscope. For example, an infection in your airways causes the common cold. And an infection in your skin can cause rashes such as athlete's foot.

infections or problems.

Source:
U.S. National library of Medicine.
Medline Plus: common cold.
January 2009. Available at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000678.htm (accessed on 30 January 2009).

Some people get ear infections.
In children with

asthma
Asthma is a long-term disease of the lungs. It makes you wheeze, cough and feel short of breath. Asthma attacks are caused by iflammation and narrowing of the airways, which makes it hard for air to pass in and out of the lungs.

asthma, colds can trigger an asthma attack.
Babies and older people may get chest infections, such as

bronchitis
Bronchitis is inflammation of the major airways (also called bronchi) that lead in and out of your lungs.

bronchitis (when the air passages are infected) or

pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection in your lungs. Anything that causes infections (bacteria, viruses or fungi, for example) can give you pneumonia.

pneumonia (when the lungs are infected). These can be serious.
Some people get an infection caused by

bacteria
Bacteria are tiny organisms. There are lots of different types. Some are harmful and can cause disease. But some bacteria live in your body without causing any harm.

bacteria in their sinuses (the air pockets in the bones behind the nose). This is called

sinusitis
If you have sinusitis, you have irritation in the spaces formed by the bones around your nose. These spaces are called sinuses. Sinusitis can cause a feeling tightness or pain. You may also have a fever. You can get these symptoms when you have a cold or an allergic reaction, or when you fly in a plane.

sinusitis.

To read more, see our articles on:

Sources for the information on this page:

Heikkinen T, Jarvinen A.The common cold.Lancet. 2003; 361: 51-59.

Arroll B.Common Cold.In: The Cochrane Library. Wiley, Chichester, UK.

U.S. National library of Medicine.Medline Plus: common cold.January 2009. Available at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000678.htm (accessed on 30 January 2009).

This information was last updated on Apr 09, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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