Because the virus infects the upper respiratory tract, this is where the main symptoms of a cold occur. A blocked or runny nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat, loss of taste and smell, watery eyes and a feeling of pressure in the ears are all common symptoms. 

The body also works hard to fight the infection, which is why symptoms like headache, achiness and fever can occur. Children are more likely than adults to have a raised temperature, and babies may be restless and irritable, not feed or sleep as well as usual due to nasal congestion, and be sick as a result of coughing.

Symptoms usually come on in a matter of hours after becoming infected, peaking within a couple of days and lasting around a week, though some symptoms, particularly cough, may last up to fortnight or so longer.