How long does a cold last, and when should persistent symptoms be checked?
A cold usually starts improving within one to two weeks, although cough can last longer. Lack of improvement, worsening symptoms or persistent fever warrants assessment. Duration alone does not prove bacterial infection or automatically justify antibiotics.
Details
Watch the trend, not just the calendar
Symptoms may develop gradually and then ease. Duration varies and can be longer in children. Monitor eating, drinking, activity and breathing. Worsening after an initial improvement deserves review rather than being assumed to be normal.
What helps?
Rest, appropriate fluids and symptom relief suited to age and health may improve comfort. Antibiotics do not speed recovery from a viral cold. Check combination remedies to avoid taking paracetamol or another medicine twice through different products.
When to seek care
Arrange review if there is no improvement after about ten days or cough lasts beyond three weeks, or earlier with impaired immunity or chronic illness. Breathlessness, chest pain or significant dehydration needs urgent help. Young children, especially babies with fever, require age-specific assessment rather than waiting for the usual cold duration.
Related reading: How do flu and a common cold differ, and when is treatment needed?.