What are the main signs and symptoms of the common cold?

One of the key differences between colds and the flu is symptom severity. Colds tend to be mild; the flu is often more severe, and the latter may not involve upper respiratory symptoms at all.^[1]

• Fever (common in children; less common in adults)
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Green or yellow nasal discharge
• Sore throat
• Coughing/sneezing
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Headache