What are the symptoms of a cold and how can i know if i have it ?

A cold: is viral and usually starts with sore throat, nasal congestion, mild-moderate cough (dependant on tobacco use), possibly mild headache, and mild temp elevation for 1-2 days and usually no loss of appetite. This is all upper respiratory and doesn't include other viral illnesses that can be quite severe. If your symptoms are similar to the above then you have a "cold".