Stages of a Cold
Cold is a virus that eventually wears off. It usually takes between seven to ten days for the symptoms to completely wear off. It may help to think of your cold in these three stages:
- Early-stage: Once you have been exposed to a cold virus, it starts to replicate in your body. It may take up to three days before you start experiencing any symptoms. During this period, you may experience minor symptoms like fatigue.
- Active stage: This is when you start to experience intense symptoms, such as cough, serious fatigue, and running nose. It is usually once your body’s immune system has responded to the virus.
- Lingering stage: Symptoms of cold don’t usually last longer than 10 days. You should contact your doctor if they do. Although, the cough may sometimes linger.