Symptoms of early stage common cold
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Early Stage Common Cold Symptoms: Key Features
Sore Throat, Nasal Congestion, and Runny Nose as Initial Symptoms
In the early stage of the common cold, the most frequently reported symptoms are sore throat, nasal congestion, and a runny nose. Sore throat often appears as the first sign and is commonly accompanied by nasal congestion and headache within the first 24 hours of symptom onset. These symptoms tend to overlap and are experienced together by most individuals during the initial days of the illness 134.
Sneezing, Headache, and General Discomfort
Sneezing and headache are also common early symptoms. Many people report feeling tired or generally unwell at the start of a cold. These symptoms, along with sore throat and nasal congestion, create a cluster of discomfort that marks the beginning of the infection 136.
Secretory Symptoms: Runny Nose and Sneezing
A runny nose is usually one of the very first symptoms, often with a thin, copious nasal discharge that may become thicker as the cold progresses. Sneezing is also frequent in the early phase, contributing to the spread of the virus and the overall discomfort 134.
Cough and Other Symptoms
Cough is less prominent in the very early stage but can be present. It tends to become more bothersome as the cold progresses, often peaking later in the illness. Some individuals may also experience mild fever, chills, or aching limbs, but these are less consistent and may not appear in every case 123.
Symptom Overlap and Duration
There is significant overlap in the appearance of these symptoms during the first few days. Most people experience a combination of sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and headache simultaneously. The acute symptoms usually peak within the first two days and may last up to a week, with the most bothersome symptom shifting from sore throat on day one to nasal congestion in the following days 135.
Conclusion
The early stage of the common cold is marked by a combination of sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and headache. These symptoms often appear together and can be accompanied by general discomfort and, less commonly, mild fever or cough. Recognizing this typical symptom pattern can help in early identification and management of the common cold 1346.
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