Symptoms of ARVI and Colds: Signs by Day in Adults

More than 200 different viruses can cause a respiratory infection, and each adult experiences it on average 2–3 times a year. Understanding how symptoms unfold day by day helps to assess one's condition soberly.

What ARVI is and how it relates to the common cold

Acute respiratory viral infection is a general term for inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract caused by viruses with an affinity for ciliated epithelium. This group includes influenza, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial, coronavirus, adenovirus, and other infections. The common cold is usually used to denote mild ARVI affecting mainly the nasal passages. Respiratory viruses are the most widespread group of diseases in the world: they account for up to half of all acute illnesses.

First signs of a cold

Symptoms of a cold increase gradually over 2–3 days. Early signs include headache, sneezing, chills, sore throat, and general malaise — they develop quickly and last one to two days. Then nasal discharge, congestion, and cough are added; with a cold, cough usually appears after a period of sneezing. The main manifestations include a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, hoarseness, cough, and a feeling of fatigue.

Symptoms of ARVI in adults

The clinical picture may present as acute rhinitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, laryngotracheitis, or bronchitis. In addition to the above, there may be fever, muscle aches, loss of taste and smell, and a feeling of pressure in the ears and face. It is impossible to determine from symptoms which virus caused the illness — manifestations of different pathogens are similar. Adults often carry the infection "on their feet," becoming a source of infection for children and older people.

How symptoms develop by day

Symptoms usually begin a few days after infection. The early phase fits within 1–2 days, and the late phase — with nasal discharge and cough — replaces it. Some manifestations may persist for 10–14 days, and a person usually feels full improvement in about 1–2 weeks. In children, symptoms sometimes last longer than in adults.

• First day or two: sneezing, sore throat, chills, headache, malaise
• Then: nasal discharge, congestion, cough
• 1–2 weeks: improvement in well-being

How ARVI differs from influenza

Symptoms of a cold and influenza are similar, but influenza is more severe. A cold develops gradually and affects mainly the nose and throat; a person feels unwell but is able to continue usual activities. Influenza appears quickly, within a few hours, affects not only the nose and throat, and knocks a person off their feet — they feel exhausted and cannot do their usual activities. Statistically, fever and headache are slightly more common with influenza, although these associations are not statistically significant.

Warning signs and when a doctor is needed

An ordinary cold resolves on its own. You should consult a doctor if fever lasts longer than 3–4 days, symptoms worsen or do not improve after 10 days, shortness of breath and chest pain appear, or cough lasts more than 3 weeks. Particular attention is required for people with chronic diseases (diabetes, heart, lung, kidney diseases) and weakened immunity. The diagnosis is usually made clinically, and the exact pathogen is determined by laboratory tests.

ARVI by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103 or 112 — if the condition worsens during the illness, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing appears, confusion, inability to drink due to persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration (dizziness when standing, infrequent urination).

This material is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer