The common cold is a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract of the body that affects the nose, throat, sinuses, larynx, and sometimes the lungs. The common cold is indeed very common and most adults suffer from a common cold two to four times each year. The condition is significantly more prevalent in children, particularly in those of the pre-school age, who tend to suffer from a common cold eight to ten times each year.
More than 200 varieties of viruses may be accountable for causing this contagious illness. These viruses typically enter the body through the nose or the mouth. The human body struggles to develop immunity against the common cold because of the vast number of viruses that may cause its infliction and this is the reason why the common cold is so recurrent.


Causes and Risk Factors

Rhinovirus and coronavirus are the most frequent common cold-causing viruses despite the fact that there are more than 200 varieties of viruses that can cause the common cold. The common cold may spread as a result of some of the following factors:

Contact with infected person: An infected person is a carrier of common cold-causing viruses. The viruses are spread in the form of aerosol that an individual inhales after an infected person sneezes, coughs or talks. Additionally, sharing items such as tissues, towels or sheets that have been used by infected individuals may also lead to this disease.