The common cold can affect anyone, but is usually more common in children.

There are at least 200 viruses that are known to course the common cold. These viruses are easily transmitted by sneezing and coughing of infected people. The common cold can also be passed on via touch, hand to hand contact after a person’s hand, or an object, has been contaminated with a virus.

Colds can occur anytime of the year, although they are more frequent in autumn and winter.

Children are more susceptible to colds then adults as they have yet to develop an immune system to the viruses – this means viruses and colds can spread very quickly in nurseries and schools.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of a cold usually start within 12 hours and 3 days after infection. Symptoms usually intensify over 24-48 hours. The symptoms of Influenza (the flu) usually get worse over a few hours.

The symptoms for a cold may include:

Frequent Sneezing.
Runny Nose.
Mild Fever and headache.
Sore throat, and sometimes a cough.

Symptoms may also include infection of the chest, sinuses, or an ear infection.

Most people recognize their symptoms as those of a common cold and do not seek medical advice, and despite a great deal of medical research, there is no cure – but over the counter drugs (see treatments) can relieve the symptoms.

It is also important to drink plenty of cool liquids, and Vitamin C is also advisable.