A cold often starts in a small and quiet way. At first, you may not notice it. However, your body does. So, it sends you soft signals. In the very beginning, the signs are mild. Yet, they matter. Because early signs help you act fast. And when you act fast, you may feel better sooner. Now, let us look at what the very start of a cold feels like.
Strange Feeling in the Throat:
At the very first stage, your throat might feel different. It may feel dry. Or it may feel scratchy. Sometimes, it feels a bit sore. However, the pain is not strong. As an alternative, it feels light and irritating. For instance, it might feel like you are required to clean your throat frequently. After that, you might swallow more than normal. Because your throat feels rough. Even so, you can still eat and drink. In fact, many people think it is just dry air at first. But later, they realized it was the start of a cold.
Runny or Stuffy Nose:
Soon after, your nose may change. At first, it may feel blocked. Or instead, it may start to run. However, the mucus is often clear. It is thin and watery. So, you may need tissues often. On the other hand, some people feel pressure in the nose. As your mouth becomes swollen. As an outcome, breathing by the nose is difficult. Even though it is minor, it does not feel comfortable. Therefore, you might breathe via your mouth more.
Sneezing:
After that, sneezing may begin. At first, it may be one or two sneezes. But later, it may happen more often. As your body is struggling to kill the virus. Therefore, sneezing is a protection. However sneezing is usual, it may happen unexpectedly. Therefore, you may feel surprised each time.
Feeling Tired:
At the very start, tiredness can appear. However, it is not extreme. Instead, it feels like low energy. For example, you may feel slow in the morning. Or you might need to take more rest earlier than normal. Even though you slept well, you might feel empty. As your body is struggling against a virus. Therefore, your immune system utilizes energy. And as a result, you feel weak.
Mild Headache:
Some people get a light headache. It is not sharp. Instead, it feels dull. Usually, it is around the forehead. Or around the eyes. Because the sinuses start to swell. However, the pain is small. So, many people ignore it. Still, it is an early sign.
Mild Body Aches:
In a few days, you might feel slight body pain. For instance, your arms might feel weighty. Or your legs may feel sore. However, this pain is not strong like the flu. As an alternative, it feels like you worked out lightly.
Slight Cough:
Initially, you have a dry cough. It might occur one or two times in a while. Not continuously. But, it may increase after some time. As mucus might drop down into your throat. This is called postnasal drip.
Feel Cold or Chilly:
From time to time, you feel chilly. Even if the room is warm. However, fever is rare at the very start. If you feel fever, it is normally low-grade. As a common cold does not be a source of a high-grade fever. That is more common with the flu. Still, feeling cold inside can be an early clue.
Voice May Change:
Soon, your voice may sound different. It may sound soft. Or a bit hoarse. Because your throat is irritated. So, speaking may feel harder. Even though it is mild, others may notice first.
Table: Early Signs of a Cold:
| Early Symptom | What It Feels Like | Why It Happens |
| Scratchy throat | Dry, rough, mild soreness | Virus irritates throat tissue |
| Runny nose | Clear, watery mucus | Body makes mucus to trap virus |
| Stuffy nose | Mild blockage | Swelling inside nose |
| Sneezing | Sudden bursts | Body tries to remove virus |
| Mild tiredness | Low energy, heavy feeling | Immune system uses energy |
| Light headache | Dull pressure near forehead | Sinus swelling |
| Mild body aches | Soft muscle soreness | Immune response |
| Dry cough | Occasional throat clearing | Postnasal drip |
| Slight chills | Feeling cold without high fever | Early immune reaction |
You May Not Feel Fully Sick Yet:
At the beginning, you may feel “off.” However, you may not feel very sick. For example, you can still go to work. You can still cook or study. Yet, something feels wrong. Because your body is starting to fight. So, you are in between healthy and sick.
How Fast Do These Signs Start?
Generally, a cold starts within 1 to 3 days after you get the virus. At the initial stage, indication signs are minor. Then, they grow slowly. However, every person is different. Some feel sick quickly. Others feel changes slowly. Still, most people notice throat changes first.
Why Does a Cold Start This Way?
A cold is caused by a virus. Most often, it is a rhinovirus. The virus enters your nose or mouth. Then, it grows inside your body. After that, your immune system reacts. Because it wants to remove the virus. So, swelling begins. Mucus increases. And sneezing starts.
How Is It Different From the Flu?
At the start, a cold is mild. However, the flu often starts fast. With the flu, you may get high fever. You may feel strong body aches. And you may feel very weak. On the other hand, a cold grows slowly. And the symptoms are softer. Therefore, if you notice just slight throat irritation and coughing, it is likely a cold.
How Long Does the Early Stage Last?
The very beginning lasts 1 to 2 days. After that, symptoms grow stronger. For example, mucus may become thicker. And your cough may increase. However, the first stage is the softest part.
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Conclusion:
At the very beginning of a cold, you may feel a scratchy throat, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, mild tiredness, light headache, small body aches, and a dry cough. However, the signs are soft. And they grow slowly. Because your body is just starting to fight the virus. Rest more. Drink fluids. And take care of yourself. If you have common cold symptoms and are searching for best primary care in Las Vegas Sahara west urgent care is a good option. To schedule your appointment with the highest standard of care, visit Sahara West Urgent Care on our website, where you can also explore more informative blogs .
FAQs:
1. Can you feel tired at the start of a cold?
Yes. Mild tiredness is common.
2. Can a cold begin with a headache?
Yes. A mild headache can appear early.
3. How do I know it is not the flu?
Flu symptoms are stronger and faster.
4. Why does the nose run first?
Because the body makes mucus to trap germs.
5. Can children show early signs faster?
Yes. Children may show symptoms quickly.
