Common Cold

The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by a variety of different virus strains. It is one of the most frequent illnesses, occurring frequently throughout the year. Symptoms typically include a runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat, and a cough. In many cases, no treatment is required and symptoms usually resolve within a week. However, anti-inflammatory medications, decongestants, and cough medicines may be used to reduce symptoms. The common cold is highly contagious and is spread through contact with droplets from an infected individual's nose and throat. It is important to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands often, to help prevent the spread of the virus.