Tag: Viral illnesses

Over 200 different viruses can cause the common cold, with the average adult experiencing two to four colds annually. When you wonder what different types of colds are there, it's not about distinct conditions but rather the specific virus responsible for your symptoms, which can include rhinovirus, adenovirus, and more.

While it can feel like a cold hits you out of the blue, the typical incubation period is 1 to 3 days after exposure, according to the Mayo Clinic. Understanding how sudden can a cold come on helps differentiate it from other, faster-acting illnesses and prepares you for what's next.

Over 90% of all upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses, which are often self-limiting, meaning they clear up on their own. This guide explores common examples and answers the critical question: what illnesses go away on their own? Understanding the difference between a mild, self-limiting condition and one requiring medical intervention is key to effective self-care.