Symptoms are changes in how you feel and can be noticed by other people, including doctors. They are a sign that you are sick. Some symptoms can be severe, such as a high fever or chest pain. Other symptoms are less serious, such as a sore throat or headache. Some diseases don’t show any symptoms, such as high blood pressure. Others show only in the later stages of the disease.
Infections can spread through airborne droplets that are coughed or sneezed into the air by someone who is sick, or by touching a surface (like a doorknob) that contains the virus. In some cases, the infection can spread through close contact with a sick person or from sharing personal items such as towels and handkerchiefs. Using disinfectants in the workplace or home may help reduce risk of transmission.
At first, the most common early symptom is a sore throat. You might also have a runny nose, watery eyes, cough, and malaise. During this stage, the body is working to fight the virus. The body’s immune system may cause you to sweat more, which is why some people get a low-grade fever. As mucus builds up, it can clog sinuses and lead to a dull, throbbing headache.
Taking over-the-counter medicines to relieve aches and pains can help. Medicines can also be taken to reduce swelling and congestion in the nose and throat. These are called decongestants and are available as pills, liquids, drops, and sprays. Some options include pseudoephedrine (Sudafed and others) and oxymetazoline (Afrin and Zicam).