The common cold is a mild viral infection that primarily affects the nose and throat. It is typically caused by rhinoviruses but can also be caused by other respiratory viruses. Symptoms of the common cold include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, mild headache, and mild body aches. Most people recover from a cold within a week to ten days with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies to alleviate symptoms