EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -The common cold is a viral infection of your nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). It’s usually harmless, although it might not feel that way. Many types of viruses can cause a common cold. Healthy adults can expect to have two or three colds each year.

Detailed explanation-2: -A cold is caused by any one of several viruses that causes inflammation of the membranes that line the nose and throat. It can result from any one of more than 200 different viruses. But, the rhinoviruses causes most colds. The common cold is very easily spread to others.

Detailed explanation-3: -The common cold, also called viral rhinitis, is one of the most common infectious diseases in humans. The infection is usually mild and improves without treatment.

Detailed explanation-4: -Common ways you can get viral infections include: From other people (through coughing, sneezing or close contact). From surfaces or objects that someone with a virus has touched (like countertops, doorknobs or phones).

Detailed explanation-5: -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.