Cold & Duration

How long does a cough, runny nose and hoarseness last?

Everyone has probably had a cold before - duration, course and cold symptoms can vary. The viral infection is usually harmless and the symptoms subside without complications after seven to ten days. But when does a flu-like infection reach its climax and can you influence the length of the cold?

By what means do you try to shorten the duration of your cold?

Rest and get plenty of sleepWalkTea and plenty of waterInhalation and cold baths

How long does a cold last?

It usually takes three to ten days to overcome a cold. It is not without reason that people say in the vernacular: a cold comes for three days, stays for three days and goes away for three days. In certain cases, our bodies can fight the viruses for up to two weeks.

A cold has different phases. Each phase has a different duration. The cold can last different lengths of time depending on the patient and the intensity of the individual phases also varies.

The incubation period

The incubation period

The first symptoms of a cold can become noticeable about one to three days after infection - this is referred to as the incubation period. Then a cold is particularly contagious. The first symptoms are usually runny nose, fatigue and a sore throat.

The acute phase

The acute phase

The cold reaches its peak on the second to fourth day. At this time, those affected often complain of sore throats and runny nose as well as headaches and body aches. It takes about a day or two for these symptoms to subside.

The late stage

The late stage

After the cold has subsided, a cough follows - typically on the sixth or seventh day of the cold. This usually begins as a dry cough and then turns into a productive cough that expels viruses along with the phlegm. If not already then, the symptoms should usually be completely overcome after two weeks.

What does the duration of the cold depend on?

In general, the duration of a cold can vary greatly. Sometimes it seems as if various symptoms drag on for weeks. However, the cold can also be overcome after a few days. With a cold, the duration depends on various factors:

The age of the patient
General health condition
Pre-existing conditions
Behaviour during the common cold
Additional complications

Cold: Shorten duration?

You want to get back on your feet quickly and try to relieve the symptoms to speed up healing? There are some tips that have proven themselves to relieve symptoms and shorten the duration of the common cold:

Rest and tranquility
Inhaling water vapors
Cold baths
Catch some fresh air
Tea and enough water

Supportive medication, e.g. Grippostad^® C hard capsules, also help to strengthen the normal immune system and alleviate the symptoms of a cold. The length of the complaints should not last more than two weeks. The cold won't go away? If the symptoms have intensified or if other accompanying symptoms occur, you should consult a doctor immediately. After a thorough examination, the doctor can decide on the next steps in treatment.