A Cold is a viral infection that affects the upper airway including the nose, pharynx, throat and lung airways.

Introduction to Colds
The common cold is the most common reason that people miss work or school. There are at least 200 different viruses that cause colds. These are not the same viruses that cause the flu. Colds are very contagious. They are airborne and transmitted when one coughs, sneezes and then touches an object after they have sneezed on their hand or blown their nose. Anyone can get a cold. Children tend to get more colds than adults do. The reason adults get fewer colds is that they have become immune to particular viruses that cause the cold.

Causes & Risks of Cold
Causes of Cold
Colds are caused by rhinoviruses. Since it is spread by the respiratory route the risk is highest in crowded places and in places when there is prolonged contact, as in play groups or day care centers.

Risks of Cold
Colds are highly contagious. Someone with a cold can easily pass it onto others. The cold virus is spread via air particles that are expelled when coughing or sneezing. It is also spread when someone with a cold rubs their eyes or nose and then touches another object before washing their hands and someone else comes in contact with such objects later, such as a phone or door knob.

Signs and Symptoms of Cold
Clinical Features of Cold

Running nose. Stuffy nose. Cough. Congestion.

Sore throat. Muscle aches. Fever. Headache.

Prevention of Cold
There are many preventive measures that can help prevent one from catching a cold. There is some evidence that Vitamin C may help prevent colds. To reduce the spread of colds, a person with cold should cover his or her mouth when sneezing or coughing, wash his or her hands frequently and avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth. Other people should avoid close contact with a person who has a cold and anything they have touched, and wash their hands frequently.