The common cold is a common name for a group of mild viral infections of the upper respiratory tract. Main symptoms: runny nose, cough, sore throat, low-grade fever, weakness.
The causative agents can be various viruses (most often rhinoviruses). The disease usually has a mild course and resolves on its own within a few days or up to a week. Unlike the flu, colds usually start gradually and less often give a high fever and severe muscle pain.