Common cold

The common cold, or the cold, is a <a href="/facts/Virus/mf88Bcbl">viral</a> <a href="/facts/Infectious_disease/182XrncP">infectious disease</a> of the <a href="/facts/Upper_respiratory_tract/nnG9UEmr">upper respiratory tract</a> that primarily affects the <a href="/facts/Respiratory_epithelium/gsvl9IJL">respiratory mucosa</a> of the <a href="/facts/Human_nose/fmhw8BmP">nose</a>, <a href="/facts/Throat/JL1UKp5R">throat</a>, <a href="/facts/Paranasal_sinuses/ybG3rkBB">sinuses</a>, and <a href="/facts/Larynx/0bhtXI3Q">larynx</a>. Signs and symptoms may appear in as little as two days after exposure to the virus. These may include <a href="/facts/Cough/mqyhR6zj">coughing</a>, <a href="/facts/Sore_throat/00WHEyla">sore throat</a>, <a href="/facts/Rhinorrhea/DJxxlKqs">runny nose</a>, <a href="/facts/Sneeze/Nxj3dJbc">sneezing</a>, <a href="/facts/Headache/mdmmC9DP">headache</a>, and <a href="/facts/Fever/waVxR2Ac">fever</a>. People usually recover in seven to ten days, but some symptoms may last up to three weeks. Occasionally, those with other <a href="/facts/Health_problems/55eeQlGL">health problems</a> may develop <a href="/facts/Pneumonia/Jw0KquTA">pneumonia</a>.
Well over 200 <a href="/facts/Virus_strain/xFv4QWjN">virus strains</a> are implicated in causing the common cold, with <a href="/facts/Rhinovirus/2jDL2oWU">rhinoviruses</a>, <a href="/facts/Coronavirus/LvV5mvl9">coronaviruses</a>, <a href="/facts/Adenoviridae/JLX5IKHt">adenoviruses</a> and <a href="/facts/Enterovirus/9MyW6zdk">enteroviruses</a> being the most common. They spread through the air or indirectly through contact with objects in the environment, followed by transfer to the mouth or nose. Risk factors include going to <a href="/facts/Child_care/ILBlaVb0">child care</a> facilities, <a href="/facts/Sleep_deprivation/uAUkKVEM">not sleeping well</a>, and <a href="/facts/Psychological_stress/eqat8pq9">psychological stress</a>. The symptoms are mostly due to the body's <a href="/facts/Immune_response/dtLulqIy">immune response</a> to the infection rather than to <a href="/facts/Tissue_(biology)/H7CpML7A">tissue destruction</a> by the viruses themselves. The symptoms of <a href="/facts/Influenza/nWuFzh6L">influenza</a> are similar to those of a cold, although usually more severe and less likely to include a <a href="/facts/Runny_nose/DJxxlKqs">runny nose</a>.
There is no <a href="/facts/Vaccine/QcXzLug2">vaccine</a> for the common cold. This is due to the rapid mutation and wide variation of viruses that cause the common cold. The primary methods of prevention are <a href="/facts/Correct_hand_washing_technique/BTgUfoRo">hand washing</a>; not touching the eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands; and <a href="/facts/Social_distancing/DFFUCCaU">staying away from sick people</a>. People are considered contagious as long as the symptoms are still present. Some evidence supports the use of <a href="/facts/Surgical_mask/azNpaTV3">face masks</a>. There is also no <a href="/facts/Cure/e3pR0HnH">cure</a>, but the symptoms can be treated. <a href="/facts/Zinc/80b1qgk3">Zinc</a> may reduce the duration and severity of symptoms if started shortly after the onset of symptoms. <a href="/facts/Nonsteroidal_anti-inflammatory_drug/coIkzl4s">Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs</a> (NSAIDs) such as <a href="/facts/Ibuprofen/vsKBTfVl">ibuprofen</a> may help with pain. <a href="/facts/Antibiotic/sF1kIfxg">Antibiotics</a>, however, should not be used, as all colds are caused by viruses rather than bacteria. There is no good evidence that <a href="/facts/Cough_medicine/2Qe0AjMx">cough medicines</a> are effective.
The common cold is the most frequent infectious disease in humans. Under normal circumstances, the average adult gets two to three colds a year, while the average child may get six to eight colds a year. Infections occur more commonly during the winter. These infections have existed throughout human history.

Common cold open-in-new

Common cold