Common Cold

About Common Cold

The common cold is caused by over 200 different viruses, with rhinoviruses being the most common cause. Other causes include coronaviruses, respiratory syncytial virus RSV, adenoviruses, enteroviruses, and parainfluenza viruses. Adults typically have 2 to 3 colds a year, and young children often have considerably more. Symptoms include runny nose, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, mild fever, and body aches. The disease is usually self limiting, resolving in 7 to 10 days. There is no cure or vaccine for the common cold despite decades of research. The diversity of causative viruses makes vaccine development extremely challenging. Evidence for zinc lozenges is mixed, with some studies suggesting a modest reduction in duration when started early. Vitamin C has minimal evidence for cold prevention or treatment in the general population. Hand washing and limiting close contact with people who are unwell are the main prevention measures.