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Is It a Cold – Or Something More Serious?

January 25, 2026

The sniffles start. Maybe your throat feels scratchy, or you’re sneezing more than usual. Most of us immediately chalk it up to a cold — and usually, that’s exactly what it is. But sometimes, those same symptoms can signal something that deserves more attention.

What’s tricky is that colds, flu, allergies and even more serious infections can look almost identical in the early stages. That’s why it’s so important to know the red flags.

We asked Danielle Grillo, APRN, with Hartford HealthCare Medical Group, what to watch for, so you can tell whether it’s just a cold – or something more serious.

1. A fever that lingers

Colds rarely cause high fevers.

“If your temperature climbs above 100.4°F and stays there for more than a day or two, that’s usually a sign of something more than a common cold,” says Grillo.

Persistent fever may point to flu, pneumonia, COVID or another infection that needs medical attention.

> Related: Can Chicken Noodle Soup Really Cure My Cold?

2. Shortness of breath

Feeling stuffy is normal with a cold, but struggling to breathe isn’t.

“Any time you’re having trouble breathing — wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath — it’s important to seek immediate medical attention,” Grillo explains.

Those symptoms can signal asthma flare-ups, bronchitis or even heart problems, and they shouldn’t be ignored.

> Related: Which Cold Medicine Is Right for Me?

3. Symptoms that don’t improve

Most colds improve within seven to ten days.

“If you’ve been sick for two weeks or longer without relief, it could be something other than a cold,” says Grillo.

Bacterial infections, allergies or post-viral complications can all keep you feeling lousy for longer than normal.

> Related: What to Eat and Drink for a Cold

4. Severe sore throat or ear pain

Colds can cause mild throat irritation, but sharp pain is another story.

“A very sore throat, especially if it’s paired with fever, could mean strep — and that needs antibiotics,” Grillo says. “It could also be COVID, so it’s worth getting looked at.”

Ear pain can also indicate a bacterial infection that won’t clear up on its own.

5. Fatigue or body aches

Some tiredness is just part of being sick. But overwhelming exhaustion or intense muscle aches are bigger clues.

“Feeling a little tired could be part of a common cold, but if that fatigue is combined with muscle aches it could signal the flu or COVID,” says Grillo.

That level of fatigue is a signal your body is fighting something stronger than a cold.

> Related: 3 Popular Cold Remedies That Can Do More Harm Than Good

Here’s when it’s time to call your provider

Most colds clear on their own, but sometimes it’s worth getting checked.

“The key is paying attention to your body and noticing when things don’t fit the usual cold pattern,” says Grillo.

So, if you’re unsure if it’s a cold or something more serious, don’t hesitate to check in with your provider. Catching something early is the first step to a quick recovery.