what is cold

10 months ago 136
Nature

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