What is common cold and what are the causes?

The common cold is a very widespread disease in the United States as well as the rest of the world. In fact, an average adult will catch the cold at least 2 times every year while children are likely to suffer from the disease for at least 6 times. However, the people, whose immune systems are weak, can suffer from this disease all year round. Usually, the common cold causes the nasal passages to be blocked. It also caused itchiness in the throat and the eyes, fatigue and, in a few cases, fever. Usually, after observing the symptoms of common cold, people seek the help of their doctors. They hope that their physicians will be able to prescribe drugs to alleviate the symptoms. However, all their hopes are dashed when they are given no drugs and, instead, are asked to take rest – for at least a week, until the symptoms alleviate automatically.

So, why cannot drugs – and not even antibiotics – cure common cold? This is because this cold is caused by a virus. And this virus is immune to all types of antibiotics.

There are many types of viruses which are known for causing common cold. Among them, the notable ones are coronavirus, coxsackievirus and rhinovirus. A person may also catch the cold if they come in contact with anything or anybody who is infected with the virus. Usually, the disease is spread through open wound, mouth and eyes.  For instance, people contract the disease when an infected person sneezes or coughs near them. This is because they take in the virus by inhaling the infected air.