Common Types Of Colds

The average adult gets a cold 2–4 times every year. One reason this mild type of infection is so common is that hundreds of viruses can lead to it.

More than 200 different viruses can cause a cold, and most of them are highly contagious. Rhinoviruses are the most common causes of colds. But other viruses, such as adenoviruses, coronaviruses, human parainfluenza virus (HPIV), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), can also lead to mild upper respiratory symptoms or common colds.

In most cases, you can treat a common cold at home with rest and other home remedies, and most colds resolve after about a week.

This article reviews the most common types of colds, including their symptoms, stages, and duration.

What are the most common types of colds?

More than 200 viruses can lead to the common cold. Here are the most common types:

Rhinovirus

According to the American Lung Association, 10–40% of all colds are caused by a rhinovirus. There are 100 types of rhinoviruses. They are highly contagious but generally very mild.

Coronavirus

There are about six types of seasonal coronaviruses that can infect humans and cause illness.

Most types of coronavirus result in mild to moderate symptoms of respiratory infections known as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

The best-known type of coronavirus is SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19.

HPIV

HPIV is most likely to cause symptoms in young children and older adults, but anyone can become ill if they contract this common virus. Typically, people with HPIV have very similar symptoms to people with colds caused by rhinovirus, such as a sore throat, sneezing, and congestion.

Symptoms of HPIV are often mild and will resolve on their own with rest and over-the-counter (OTC) medication.

Adenovirus

Adenoviruses are another common virus type that can lead to colds.  There are about 50 types of adenovirus. In addition to colds, they can lead to more serious infections, including bronchitis and pneumonia.

Adenoviruses can also infect the lining of the eye and are often the virus responsible for conjunctivitis (pink eye).

RSV

RSV is a common virus that is very similar to rhinovirus. It spreads quickly and typically causes mild respiratory symptoms. It’s slightly more common in young children and people over 70 years old, but anyone can contract RSV and develop symptoms at any time.

It’s possible for RSV to progress to more serious infections, but you can typically treat it at home with rest and OTC medications.

What are the stages of colds?

The common cold often lasts for around 7 days, but it’s possible for symptoms to last for up to 14 days.

Days 1–3

Symptoms typically develop on days 1–3. During this early stage of a cold, symptoms can include:

• coughing
• scratchy throat
• runny nose
• congestion
• sneezing
• reduced senses of taste and smell

Days 4–7

As your cold progresses, you might have additional symptoms. During days 4–7 (often called the active stage), you might have symptoms such as:

• headache
• body aches
• fatigue
• watery eyes
• runny nose

Children might also have a fever during the active stage.

Days 8–10

Days 8–10 are called the late stage. Symptoms usually resolve by this stage, but you might still have a nagging cough or some lingering fatigue.

If you’re still experiencing other symptoms, it might be a good time to make a medical appointment.

How can you tell the difference between a cold and RSV?

RSV and a cold are very similar. It can be difficult to tell the two infections apart. Typically, infections caused by RSV are more likely to cause symptoms such as fever, wheezing, and difficulty eating.

Additionally, RSV is most active in the fall and winter, while the rhinovirus that causes colds is most active in the spring and summer.

The table below provides a symptom comparison.

How can you tell the difference between a cold and flu?

Colds are typically milder than the flu. The flu can cause more severe symptoms and is more likely to lead to significant health complications, especially in people with a weakened immune system.

Flu symptoms also tend to begin more suddenly. Most symptoms of colds and the flu overlap, although colds are more likely to cause congestion.

Diagnostic testing can help healthcare professionals tell the difference between a cold and the flu.

Takeaway

There are hundreds of viruses that can lead to the common cold. Rhinoviruses are the most common, but adenoviruses, coronaviruses, HPIV, and RSV can also cause mild upper respiratory infections.

Typically, you can manage a cold at home with rest and OTC medications. You don’t usually need to see a doctor when you have a cold.

If your symptoms are more severe, you might have the flu or another more serious infection. A healthcare professional can diagnose the infection and help you begin treatment.