Due to the different labels of the common cold, people think there’s a difference between a cold and a head cold. The truth is there isn’t any difference, as they are the same viral condition. It’s a viral nose and throat infection, one of the most common illnesses you can get. However, there are times when the immune system doesn’t react as quickly as one might expect, and — depending on external factors — could result in what’s known as a head cold. Of course, a head cold is easily treated at home, and you usually don’t have to do anything other than drink plenty of fluids and rest. That said, there are so many stories concerning the common cold that it’s a good idea to get acquainted with the symptoms. When trying to figure out whether you have a cold, it’s about figuring out a set of symptoms instead of just one or two.
Learning about symptoms is crucial, as it can help you pinpoint the issue as soon as possible and allow you to treat it. Here are some of the most common symptoms of a head cold.
Sore Throat
A sore throat is one of the most common symptoms of a head cold. It’s also a symptom that tends to pop up first before you start noticing the rest. It might begin as a slight ache that you only notice when swallowing, potentially worsening as time goes on. The pain can radiate from the neck, causing discomfort before you start experiencing other symptoms. As such, a sore throat is typically the warning sign that you’re about to come down with a head cold. Of course, a sore throat can also mean other potential health conditions, so it’s a good idea to wait on other symptoms.
It’s also a sign that you must slow down and start resting more. The more you rest, the easier it is to circumvent many of the issues of the common cold. One common way to ease a sore throat is not to go for cold drinks/snacks, though if done sparingly, it could reduce the pain somewhat. Drinking plenty of fluids is also a good idea, as it will help your body fight off the infection.