Why sore throat before cold

However, more colds do occur during the cold season early fall to late winter. This is probably due to a variety of factors, including:. At the first sign of cold symptoms, you may look to stock up on any number of remedies.

But what actually works? While there is no cure for the common cold, there are some proven ways to treat your symptoms. Everyone is at risk for the common cold. People are most likely to have colds during fall and winter, starting in late August or early September until March or April. The increased incidence of colds during the cold season may be attributed to the fact that more people are indoors and close to each other.

In addition, in cold, dry weather, the nasal passages become drier and more vulnerable to infection. Children suffer more colds each year than adults, due to their immature immune systems and to the close physical contact with other children at school or day care. In fact, the average child will have between 6 to 10 colds a year.

The average adult will get 2 to 4 colds a year. Colds usually start 2 to 3 days after the virus enters the body and symptoms last from several days to several weeks. Cold symptoms may look like other medical conditions. Always consult your healthcare provider for a diagnosis if your symptoms are severe. A cold and the flu influenza are two different illnesses.

To help ease a sore throat or cough, a person can try stirring a tablespoon of honey into a cup of hot water or tea. There is some evidence that people with adequate vitamin D levels are less likely to get respiratory infections than those with lower levels. Natural sunlight helps the body synthesize vitamin D. However, sunlight can be scarce in some parts of the world, particularly during winter.

If a person struggles to get enough sun exposure, they may find it helpful to take a vitamin D supplement. The Office of Dietary Supplements recommend that people aged 1—70 years get a minimum of 15 micrograms or international units of vitamin D per day. Learn more about how much vitamin D someone needs and how to get more of it.

A meta-analysis of 14 scientific studies investigated the effectiveness of zinc as a treatment for the common cold. The research found that people who took zinc supplements experienced a shorter duration of cold symptoms compared to those who took a placebo. Specifically, their cold symptoms were shortened by an average of one or two days.

However, people should be aware that zinc products can trigger side effects. They add that zinc tablets, lozenges, and syrup can also trigger nausea and other minor gut problems.

A meta-analysis investigated whether taking vitamin C reduces the incidence, severity, or duration of the common cold. The study found that taking at least mg per day of vitamin C did not reduce the risk of getting a cold.

This translates to approximately one fewer day of symptoms. The researchers note that further randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm these findings. Because cold symptoms can resemble COVID, people should call a doctor to check whether they need testing. Most people with COVID experience mild symptoms and tend to recover at home without medical treatment.

However, a person should call the emergency services if they experience any of the following:. According to the CDC, call a doctor if:. Learn about the reasons you might be getting sick….

It starts from the beginning, as soon as your child is old enough to recognize their own…. Some people swear by working out on an empty stomach, called fasted cardio, as a quick and effective way to lose fat. Want to know how to reduce stress naturally? I was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis IC , a painful bladder disorder, when I was 16 and followed a strict recommended diet to keep my pain down. You could be feeling tired in the morning for any number of reasons, from not getting enough sleep to dehydration.

Here are 13 ways to get your energy…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Life Cycle of the Common Cold. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. Days 1 to 3 Days 4 to 7 Days 8 to 10 Shop cold remedies Takeaway Share on Pinterest We include products we think are useful for our readers. OTC cold remedies. The takeaway. But cold symptoms may last longer or become more severe in people who have immune problems or other underlying health issues, such as diabetes, says Soma Mandal, MD , an internist with the Summit Medical Group in New Jersey.

If you have a medical condition that puts you at increased risk for complications, reach out to your healthcare provider. Be aware that it may take up to six weeks for a cough to disappear even after other symptoms fade, Dr. Mandal says. Usually, this is due to postnasal drip, which can continue to form while swollen and irritated nasal passages heal, she explains.

Symptoms of a sinus infection, which can last anywhere from one to three months or more, can include:. If you suspect allergies or a sinus infection, Dr. Glatt recommends seeing your doctor to get a complete evaluation.

It can be difficult to tell these illnesses apart because they share so many traits.