Everything to know about the common cold

If you didn’t know by the cacophony of sniffles and coughs in public settings – cold season is in full swing. 

As mitigation measures from the COVID-19 pandemic stifled transmission of other respiratory viruses, we're seeing an influx of cases of RSV, flu and COVID, plus a shortage of over-the-counter pain medication for children. 

Avatar 2 The Way of Water Full Movie

Avatar 2 The Way of Water Full Movie

If you're sick, health experts say it’s important to stay home and rest to allow the body to recovery and prevent transmitting the virus to others. 

But some cold symptoms can last for weeks. So how can do you know when it's the right time to return to daily activities? Here’s what experts said.

READ THIS: Explaining winter's early rush of illness - and if it will continue
Common cold symptoms: Can you get a fever with a cold?

Fevers aren't common with colds but it can happen, said Dr. Joseph Khabbaza, pulmonary and critical care physician at the Cleveland Clinic.

Typical cold symptoms include: 

   Runny or congested nose 
   Cough
   Sore throat
   Mild headache
   Sneezing

How long does a cold last? How long is it contagious? 

Cold symptoms may last seven to 10 days and may be most contagious in the first four to five days, said Dr. Maria Eugenia Petrini, medical director of clinically integrated network at Nemours Children’s Health.
Can you catch a cold from cold weather?

"Bundle up or you'll catch a cold!" It's the age-old expression parents say to their children refusing to wear their winter jackets. But a recent study found out they may be right. 

Researchers from Northeastern University studied nasal samples and found immune mechanisms in the nose worked differently at different temperatures: 

   In normal body-heat conditions, the nose successfully deployed extracellular vesicles that bond and block viruses from entering the body. 
   Researchers found that just a 5-degree drop in temperature led to a 50% decrease in immune activity. 

"Our study is really focused on prevention, that initial exposure and how to enhance your defenses," said lead author Mansoor Amiji, professor of pharmaceutical sciences at Northeastern University.