The common cold is a common viral infection of the nose and throat. It has more than 3 million US cases per year. It spreads easily, is self-treatable, is self-diagnosable, lab tests and imaging are not required, and is short term, so it almost always goes away within days to weeks.
Although more than 100 viruses can cause a common cold, there are two main ones. They are the Rhinovirus, which is most active in early fall, spring, and summer. It causes 10-40% of colds. The second one is the Coronavirus, which is most active in winter and early spring. It causes 20% of colds. They spread by airborne respiratory droplets (coughs or sneezes), by skin-to-skin contact (handshakes or hugs), by saliva (kissing or shared drinks), and by touching a
Although more than 100 viruses can cause a common cold, there are two main ones. They are the Rhinovirus, which is most active in early fall, spring, and summer. It causes 10-40% of colds. The second one is the Coronavirus, which is most active in winter and early spring. It causes 20% of colds. They spread by airborne respiratory droplets (coughs or sneezes), by skin-to-skin contact (handshakes or hugs), by saliva (kissing or shared drinks), and by touching a