What is a cold? | Patient Explainers

The common cold and most upper respiratory infections are caused by infection with germs (viral infections). They usually get better in a week or two. This leaflet gives some tips on what to do and what symptoms to look out for which may indicate a more serious illness. Find out more: [https://patient.info/health/cough-leaflet/common-cold-upper-respiratory-tract-infections](https://patient.info/health/cough-leaflet/common-cold-upper-respiratory-tract-infections) Follow Patient: Website: [https://patient.info/](https://patient.info/) Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/patient](https://www.facebook.com/patient) Twitter: [https://twitter.com/patient](https://twitter.com/patient) Pinterest: [https://uk.pinterest.com/patient/](https://uk.pinterest.com/patient/) Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/patient.info/](https://www.instagram.com/patient.info/)