An early treatment is important because otherwise the infection could progress into a more severe form of disease (e.g. bronchitis). Bacteria often take advantage of the immune system being weakened by the viral infection. This may lead to an additional bacterial infection (the so called secondary bacterial infection). One sign which may help to differentiate between bacterial and viral infections is the color of the secreted mucus:
In viral infections the sputum often is mucus-like and whitish. The "common cold" is usually caused by an acute viral infection. Typical symptoms of a common cold are cough,„the snuffles“, sore throat, sometimes muscle pain, headache and elevated temperature or fever.
If your symptoms do not improve after a week, see a doctor to exclude a more serious disease.
