Duration of Colds

Usually the fever lasts two or three days. The sore throat may last five days. Nasal discharge and congestion may last up to two weeks. A cough may last three weeks.

Colds are not serious. Between 5% and 10% of children develop a bacterial infection from a cold. Watch for signs of a bacterial infections such as earaches, yellow drainage from the eyes, sinus pressure or pain (often means a sinus infection), or rapid breathing (often a sign of pneumonia). Yellow or green nasal discharge are a normal part of the body's reaction to a cold..

If you have a young infant, make sure that he or she does not get dehydrated. A blocked nose can interfere so much with the ability to suck that dehydration can occur.

Duration of Colds
Treatment
Prevention