Believe it or not, there are more than 200 viruses out there which can cause the common cold (the most common virus is Rhinovirus which causes 30-50% of colds). The symptoms of the cold are diverse but can include sneezing, runny nose, cough, mild temperature, headache, sore throat, and even, just “feeling awful.

”The “cold” season typically begins in the Fall, and continues through the Winter and Spring. The virus is most commonly spread by airborne droplets which materialize when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Spread of the cold can also occur from hand to hand contact. A common example would be shaking the hand of an infected person, and then rubbing your nose or eyes. Alarmingly, the virus can survive on inanimate objects for up to 2 hrs, meaning that you could contract the cold after touching an infected object within this time frame.

If you do catch the common cold, there are a number of ways this can be treated. Most important, allow yourself to get plenty of rest. Engaging in stressful activities will only impair your body’s immune system in its efforts to rid you of the virus. It is equally vital to avoid smoking or inhabiting smoke filled areas as the smoke will also impair your immune system and irritate your lungs. You should drink plenty of fluids, eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, and take your daily vitamin as your condition allows.

For specific symptoms such as sore throat, gargling with salt water is often recommended. Irritating nasal congestion can be alleviated with saline nose drops or commercial sinus rinses.

To prevent spread of the cold virus and limit its impact on society, be sure to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Also vitally important is to wash your hands regularly to avoid hand to hand spread of the virus.