I think, perhaps that what has been defined as a cold is just the body doing a detox from all the stress and toxins in our lives. It seems it has been years since I had a cold or flu as you have described the symptoms. A few years ago I bought a portable sauana and that has been a great detoxing tool. Now if I start getting any symptoms I either get in my sauna or do something even quicker and that is...I spread Arnica gel on my throat and upper chest and sometimes on my nose and sinus area and any sore throat is gone quickly and any congestion. I have used the Arnica gel for sore gums & tooth aches by spreading the Arnica gel around the outside (never inside the mouth) and jaw area. It works the same for the begining of cankor sores and fever blisters. I catch them before they get full blown and they never develope. It's great for bumps and bruises and pain.
The Arnica gel is helping me to control asthma (along with herbs) so that I don't have to go on oxygen or inhalers.
The asthma is from severe allergies to mold and dairy, etc. The dairy I can control by not consuming it but the mold is more difficult. It's in the ceiling and inner walls of my house. I live in a wet climate.
Anyway, you might take a look at things in your enviroment,