EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Although many types of viruses can cause a common cold, rhinoviruses are the most common cause. A cold virus enters your body through your mouth, eyes or nose. The virus can spread through droplets in the air when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes or talks.

Detailed explanation-2: -The virus family that causes the most colds is called rhinovirus. Rhinoviruses cause up to 40% of colds, and this virus family has at least 100 distinct virus types in its group. Other important upper respiratory virus families are named coronavirus, adenovirus and respiratory syncytial virus.

Detailed explanation-3: -The name “cold” came into use in the 16th century, due to the similarity between its symptoms and those of exposure to cold weather. In the United Kingdom, the Common Cold Unit (CCU) was set up by the Medical Research Council in 1946 and it was where the rhinovirus was discovered in 1956.

Detailed explanation-4: -A cold is caused by a virus that causes inflammation of the membranes that line the nose and throat. The common cold is very easily spread to others. It’s often spread through airborne droplets that are coughed or sneezed into the air by the sick person.

Detailed explanation-5: -In adults and older children, they usually last about 7 to 10 days, but can last longer. A cough in particular can last for two or three weeks. Colds tend to last longer in younger children who are under five, typically lasting around 10 to 14 days.