Can a cold take a week to develop?

Usually colds clear up within a week to 10 days. Less often, a cold can develop into a more serious infection, like pneumonia or bronchitis. If your symptoms continue for more than 10 days, or if they are getting worse, see your doctor.

Can you get cold symptoms immediately?

Colds tend to come on gradually. You may begin to notice the early symptoms between one to three days after exposure to the virus. Some early cold symptoms include: tickle or scratchiness in the back of your throat.

How do I know if my body is fighting a cold?

The first sign of a cold is usually a sore or irritated throat and is typically followed by early symptoms such as a headache, chilliness or lethargy. These develop quickly and can last one to two days. During the first few days, your nose may also start to run.

How long does it take to get a cold after exposure?

The standard cold incubation period is 24 to 72 hours, which means you may start to develop cold symptoms anytime between one to three days after exposure. 2  Common cold symptoms include a runny nose, congestion, coughing, headache, and sore throat.

When do the symptoms of a cold start?

The symptoms of a cold can begin as soon as 10 to 12 hours after you’ve been infected. You may notice that your throat feels scratchy or sore and that you have less energy than normal. These symptoms typically last a couple of days.

How long does the common cold usually last?

The common cold lasts from seven to 10 days as it goes through three stages. The incubation period of one to a few days is followed by the first stage with the onset of symptoms. In the second stage, from the fourth to the seventh day, the symptoms worsen and peak.

How long is the incubation period for a cold?

Cold Incubation Period The standard cold incubation period is 24 to 72 hours, which means you may start to develop cold symptoms anytime between one to three days after exposure. 2  Common cold symptoms include a runny nose, congestion, coughing, headache, and sore throat.