20/05/2025
What is the common cold?
A cold is a contagious upper respiratory infection that affects your nose, throat, sinuses and windpipe (trachea). In fact, more than 200 different types of viruses can cause a cold. The most common cold virus is the rhinovirus.
Often, adults may have two or three colds each year. Infants and young children may have colds more often.
Symptoms.
Nasal symptoms: Runny or stuffy nose.
Throat symptoms: Sore or scratchy throat.
Respiratory symptoms: Cough, sneezing.
General symptoms: Feeling unwell, low-grade fever, body aches, mild headache.
Other symptoms: Watery eyes, mild fatigue
