Symptoms of a cold usually peak within 2 to 3 days and can include: 1:Sneezing. 2:Stuffy nose. 3:Runny nose. 4:Sore throat. 5:Coughing. 6:Mucus dripping down your throat (post-nasal drip) 7:Watery eyes. 8:Fever (although most people with colds do not have fever)