Common Cold :
The most common viral infection occurring in the upper part of the respiratory tract is the cold mainly brought by viruses such as rhinoviruses. Other causative viruses include coronaviruses and adenoviruses. It is the most rampant disease in all age groups especially in autumn and winter seasons. It spreads very fast if the infected person is coughing or sneezing or talking with respiratory droplets besides touching contaminated surfaces.
Generally, symptoms of common cold appear after exposure for one to three days and include those most classically associated with rhinorrhea or nasal congestion, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, malaise, mildest headache, and even low-grade fever at times. The symptoms of a cold generally are much milder and less serious compared to the symptoms of flu, which as a rule resolve in a week or two.
Treatment is more or less a preventive measure against symptoms as the infection is viral. Logically so and there is no cure for the common cold. A good number of antihistamines, decongestants, and pain relievers can be bought over the counter to alleviate symptoms like nasal congestion, sore throat, and headaches.
Prevention would form the control measure for the risk of catching and spreading colds. Common colds are rarely serious, but grave complications may arise in the presence of a weakened immune system or other chronic medical conditions.