Common Cold - Infographic

Common cold is an infectious viral disease caused by Rhinovirus that affects the nose and throat. Common cold affects millions of people a year. With more than 200 strains of cold, the rhinovirus is one of the most common virus responsible for the cause of cold.

Most adults suffer two-four colds per year while infants and children suffer from six- eight colds per year. Children suffer more colds each year than adults due to immature immune system

Common cold spreads through touching the objects which have been contaminated by the infected person, inhaling the droplets of aerosols from coughing or sneezing by an individual suffering from cold.

Hand washing is the simplest way and most efficient way to keep away from colds. People who are exposed to cold should always use facial tissues while sneezing and coughing.

Symptoms of the common cold usually begin in two to three days after infection.. Symptoms include a sore throat, sneezing, runny nose and coughing, headache and body pain.

Senior citizens may have a cold just once a year because their bodies have undergone some changes and gained an immunity to some viruses when they reach a certain age.

There is no cure for the common cold, for better relief gargle warm salt water, drink plenty of fluids, steam inhalation, get plenty of rest. Medications such as cold medicines, pain killers, cough syrups, decongestant nasal spray also help get rid of cold.