The “common cold” refers to a mild infection of the nose and throat that produces a series of uncomfortable symptoms, such as a runny nose or congestion. Most adults experience an average of two to four colds a year. The typical cold season runs from September to May.

More than 200 viruses can cause what we know as a cold, including rhinovirus. COVID-19, the flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause similar symptoms, but they’re different illnesses and may be more serious for older people.

Which One Is It? A Cold, the Flu, COVID, or RSV?
✅ = Common  🟡 = Possible  ❌ = Rare

Can a cold be more serious for an older adult?

Yes. As we get older, our immune system can’t fend off infections as well as it did when we were younger. That’s why cold and flu season, also known as the fall/winter virus season, is a particularly dangerous time of year for people age 65 and older.

Even a seemingly mild cold can pose a health threat to older adults. It can develop into a complication like pneumonia, an acute illness that claims the lives of thousands of Americans each year—more than 40,000 in 2024 alone, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).¹ What’s more, if you have a chronic condition such as asthma, COPD, or emphysema, a cold can intensify the symptoms from those conditions for several weeks after your cold symptoms have resolved.

How do colds spread?

Colds are very contagious. They spread through droplets of virus-containing fluid, such as the ones you produce when you sneeze or cough. While colds largely spread through the transfer of these droplets by touch, they can also be inhaled.  

How can I tell a cold from the flu?

Below is a quick guide explaining the differences between a cold, the flu, COVID, and RSV.

Cold symptoms are usually milder than the flu or COVID and tend to come on gradually.

Key cold symptoms include:

• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Mild cough
• Headache

Flu symptoms usually have a more sudden onset.

Key flu symptoms include:

• Persistent high fever and chills
• Muscle aches and/or headache
• Pronounced fatigue and weakness
• Dry cough

COVID symptoms can overlap with many cold and flu symptoms—but this illness also has some distinctive signs.

Key COVID symptoms include:

• Loss of smell and/or taste
• Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or heaviness

RSV symptoms often start mild, similar to a cold.

Key RSV symptoms include:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fatigue

But unlike a cold, RSV is much more likely to progress into lower respiratory tract issues like wheezing, shortness of breath, high fever, and labored breathing.

While the section above provides guidelines on how to tell the common cold from the flu, COVID-19, and RSV, you should always call your doctor to describe your symptoms. They can advise you on the next steps.

What are the best home remedies for a cold?

Some natural, at-home cold remedies include:

• Chicken soup, shown in one study to ease inflammation, improve rehydration, and even slow infection
• Tea with honey and lemon, which soothes throat pain
• Adding a cool-mist humidifier to your home, which can help reduce nasal inflammation
• Gargling with salt water, which can help loosen mucus and ease throat pain and nasal congestion
• Applying a vapor rub to your chest to help calm a cough
• Applying petroleum jelly to soothe an irritated nose or chapped lips
• Sleeping or resting with your head at a 45-degree angle, which helps prevent mucous from accumulating in your sinus cavities (an adjustable bed can elevate your head)

Try to get as much rest as possible to allow your body to heal. This means abstaining from social outings and activity if you can and making sleep a priority. If you're a smoker, make an effort to quit or at least cut back on smoking until your symptoms have eased.

It’s important to understand there are no medicines to “cure” a cold. Rather, most colds run their course and naturally resolve within a week or two. In older adults who are in poor health, symptoms may last longer.

Are there medicines to help treat a cold?

Certain over-the-counter medications such as NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen, acetaminophen), decongestants, and antihistamines can provide short-term relief from your symptoms. But it’s best to talk to your doctor first to find out what they recommend.

When should an older adult call a doctor about a cold?

You should contact a doctor if your cold symptoms:

• Last more than 10 days without getting better
• Improve and then return or get worse
• Include a fever lasting more than four days
• Make it hard to swallow or keep fluids down
• Worsen a chronic health condition (like COPD)

Get medical help right away if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, confusion, severe weakness, or signs of dehydration.

Remember that cold symptoms can also be caused by the flu, COVID, or RSV. If you have concerning symptoms or suspect something more than a regular cold, contact your doctor or nurse early. Treatment for flu or COVID must be started quickly to be effective.

How can I prevent getting a cold?

Most important is washing your hands frequently using soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. If you’re somewhere without access to soap and water, use hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol. Other essential cold-prevention tips include:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, since this is an easy way for germs to spread. Wash your hands thoroughly after blowing your nose.
• Disinfect your environment regularly, paying close attention to countertops, doorknobs, light switches, and handles of appliances (e.g. fridge).
• Keep your distance from or limit your contact with people who are ill.
• Avoid large crowds of people, especially indoors in poorly ventilated spaces.
• Ensure you’re getting enough protein in your diet, since lack of protein can hinder your immune system. Great protein sources include eggs, lean meats, legumes, and dairy products.
• Make an effort to stay hydrated every day, since being well-hydrated helps us fight off germs and viruses.

It’s also a good idea to incorporate regular exercise into your routine. Even moderate physical activity can help give your immune system a boost.

Getting a cold is not 100% preventable. But by taking some basic precautions, you can increase your chances of staying healthy and happy all winter long.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Why do older adults take longer to recover from a cold?
Our immune system changes with age, which is why it may take longer to fight off a virus. Health problems like heart or lung disease can also slow recovery as we get older. But not every older adult will take longer to get better.

Can a cold turn into pneumonia?
While a common cold doesn’t directly cause pneumonia, the infection caused by a cold virus can lead to pneumonia. Cold-like symptoms may also be caused by flu, COVID, or RSV, which can cause pneumonia as a secondary complication.

Call a doctor if your cold symptoms get worse, improve and then return, or include fever or trouble breathing.

Do antibiotics treat a cold?
No. Colds cause infections caused by viruses, and antibiotics only treat infections caused by bacteria. Taking antibiotics when you don’t need them can cause side effects and make them less effective when you do need them.

Source

1. CDC National Center for Health Statistics. Pneumonia. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/pneumonia.htm