10 Reasons Why Your Cold May Not Go Away

6. You may have bacterial sinusitis

Healthy sinuses are filled with air. But when they get blocked and filled with fluid, germs can thrive and cause an infection. Sometimes, as the common cold starts to disappear, new symptoms like headache, pressure in the sinuses, and even fever can occur. These are usually signs of a sinus infection.

This type of inflammation happens when the congestion from a viral illness creates the right environment for bacteria to grow, resulting in bacterial sinusitis. It usually occurs between 10 and 14 days following the onset of a cold. It’s important to know that a sinus infection requires a prescription from a doctor to clear up.