A cold is an illness that affects the nose and throat, typically caused by more than 200 different viruses, with rhinovirus being the most common cause
. It is highly contagious and spreads easily, especially within homes, classrooms, and workplaces
. Symptoms of a cold may include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Congestion
- Sneezing
- Weakened senses of taste and smell
- Scratchy throat
- Cough
Colds are more common during the fall and winter months, and children are more likely to get colds than adults
. There is no cure for a cold, but it usually goes away within a week to 10 days
. In some cases, a cold can lead to complications such as middle ear infections, asthma exacerbation, sinusitis, or other illnesses
