Common Cold - Prognosis

Prognosis

The common cold is generally mild and self-limiting with most symptoms generally improving in a week. Severe complications, if they occur, are usually in the very old, the very young or those who are immunosuppressed. Secondary bacterial infections may occur resulting in sinusitis, pharyngitis, or an ear infection. It is estimated that sinusitis occurs in 8% and an ear infection in 30% of cases.