Duration of cold symptoms
Depending on which pathogen (usually viruses, such as adenoviruses or rhinoviruses) caused the infection, colds can vary in duration and course and do not always proceed in the same way. Therefore, there is no universal answer to the question about the duration of a cold, it differs from person to person. However, the duration depends on previously existing basic illnesses (e.g. immune deficiencies) and on complications occurring during the course of the illness. For example, an additional or superinfection with bacteria, which can more easily break through the already weakened immune system caused by the viruses, or a heart muscle inflammation can significantly influence the course of a cold and considerably prolong its duration. On average, a normal, complication-free cold lasts 7-9 days, whereby the course of the cold is roughly always the same, consisting of the initial phase, acute phase and late or decaying phase.
Preventing colds
Colds only occur when the immune system is weakened, it does not matter whether the immune system is attacked by the cold, stress or other previous diseases. In order to keep the mucous membranes moisturized and to prevent cold viruses from attacking, dry room air should be avoided. Regular outdoor walks or jogging strengthen the immune system, make it less vulnerable to the viruses and thus help to prevent a cold.
Sauna visits also support the immune system. However, if you already have the symptoms of a cold, you should not do any sports or go to the sauna, as this is too much stress for the body. Click here for the article: What is the difference between a cold and a flu?
All articles in this series:
