Common cold

You can usually manage a cold without visiting your GP. Most people start to feel better within 1 to 2 weeks. Cold symptoms typically develop gradually over 2 to 3 days. In young children, these symptoms may persist for a longer period. They might also become irritable, struggle with feeding and sleeping, breathe through their mouth, and experience vomiting after coughing. While cold and flu symptoms are alike, flu symptoms are generally more intense.