Common cold - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
May 24, 2023 · Most often, common cold symptoms start 1 to 3 days after someone is exposed to a cold virus. Symptoms vary. They can include: Runny or stuffy nose. Sore or scratchy throat. Cough. …
COVID-19, cold, allergies and the flu: What are the differences?
Oct 22, 2025 · Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can cause many of the same symptoms as the common cold, seasonal allergies and the flu. So how can you tell if you have COVID-19? It may help …
Cold and flu viruses: How long can they live outside the body?
Feb 24, 2024 · How long do cold and flu viruses stay alive after people with a virus cough or sneeze? Viruses that cause the common cold, the flu and COVID-19 may be able to infect someone for …
Common cold in babies - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic
Apr 11, 2025 · The common cold is an infection of the nose and throat, called an upper respiratory tract infection. More than 200 viruses can cause the common cold. Rhinoviruses are the most common. A …
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV): Symptoms and prevention
Feb 19, 2025 · Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a seasonal virus that causes respiratory illness worldwide. Explore symptoms and ways to prevent infection.
Bacterial vs. viral infections: How do they differ? - Mayo Clinic
Nov 25, 2025 · Bacteria cause bacterial infections. Viruses cause viral infections. Antibiotic medicines kill or keep many bacteria from growing but don't treat viruses. Antiviral medicines help the body …
Zinc for colds: The final word? - Mayo Clinic
Apr 30, 2025 · No one enjoys the tiredness, scratchy or sore throat, drippy nose, headache, and cough of a cold. Viruses are the most common causes of colds, in particular viruses called rhinoviruses.
Bronchitis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Jul 31, 2024 · Causes Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, typically the same viruses that cause colds and flu (influenza). Many different viruses — all of which are very contagious — can …
Influenza (flu) - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Dec 19, 2025 · Overview Flu, also called influenza, is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs, which are part of the respiratory system. The flu is caused by a virus. Influenza viruses are different from …
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic
Oct 4, 2023 · Overview Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract. It's so common that most children have been infected with the virus by age 2. Respiratory …