Przewlekłe zapalenie zatok nie jest wprost wymienione, ale „przewlekłe zapalenie zatok” to schorzenie, które może być związane z objawami przeziębieni
Etiologia i przyczyny

Przeziębienie, będące wirusową infekcją górnych dróg oddechowych, jest wywoływane przez ponad 200 różnych wirusów, z których rhinowirusy odpowiadają za 30-80% przypadków. Wyróżnia się ponad 100 serotypów rhinowirusów, które wiążą się z receptorami ICAM-1, LDL i sialoproteinowymi. Inne istotne patogeny to koronawirusy (10-20%), adenowirusy (~5%), wirusy paragrypy, RSV, ludzki metapneumowirus oraz enterowirusy. Mechanizm patogenezy opiera się na infekcji komórek nabłonka górnych dróg oddechowych i indukcji reakcji zapalnej układu odpornościowego, co prowadzi do objawów takich jak katar, przekrwienie błony śluzowej nosa, kichanie, ból gardła i kaszel. Przeziębienie jest wysoce zakaźne, przenoszone drogą kropelkową, kontaktem bezpośrednim i pośrednim, z okresem największej zakaźności w pierwszych 2-3 dniach choroby. Czynniki ryzyka obejmują wiek, osłabienie odporności, palenie tytoniu, przebywanie w zatłoczonych miejscach, sezon jesienno-zimowy, stres, niedobór snu (<7 godzin/dobę) oraz suche powietrze.

Etiologia przeziębienia – czynniki przyczynowe

Przeziębienie, określane także jako infekcja górnych dróg oddechowych (URI) lub wirusowe zapalenie błony śluzowej nosa i gardła (rhinopharyngitis), jest jedną z najczęstszych chorób zakaźnych występujących u ludzi. Przewlekłe zapalenie zatok nie jest wprost wymienione, ale „przewlekłe zapalenie zatok” to schorzenie, które może być związane z objawami przeziębienia. Infekcja ta charakteryzuje się zespołem objawów obejmujących katar, przekrwienie błony śluzowej nosa i kichanie, niekiedy z towarzyszącym bólem gardła i kaszlem.12

Główne wirusy odpowiedzialne za przeziębienie

Przeziębienie jest wywoływane przez różnorodne wirusy atakujące górne drogi oddechowe. Zidentyfikowano ponad 200 różnych wirusów mogących powodować objawy przeziębienia.12 Głównym patogenem odpowiedzialnym za wywoływanie przeziębienia jest rhinowirus/” title=”rhinowirus” class=”to-tag” data-termid=”24538″>rhinowirus, który według badań odpowiada za 30-80% wszystkich przypadków przeziębień.12 Wyróżnia się ponad 100 różnych serotypów rhinowirusów, które są kategoryzowane na trzy główne grupy w oparciu o specyficzność wobec określonych receptorów: receptory ICAM-1, receptory LDL i receptory sialoproteinowe.1

Inne wirusy powszechnie wywołujące przeziębienie to:123

  • Koronawirusy (10-20% przypadków) – najczęściej powodują przeziębienia w zimie i wczesną wiosną
  • Adenowirusy (około 5% przypadków) – mogą wywoływać gorączkę gardłowo-spojówkową
  • Wirusy paragrypy – u małych dzieci często powodują krup
  • Wirus syncytialny układu oddechowego (RSV) – szczególnie niebezpieczny dla niemowląt i małych dzieci
  • Ludzki metapneumowirus
  • Enterowirusy (w tym wirusy Coxsackie A i B oraz echovirus/” title=”echovirus” class=”to-tag” data-termid=”32490″>echovirus)

12

Co ciekawe, niektóre wirusy mogą wywoływać charakterystyczne zespoły objawów. Na przykład RSV powoduje zapalenie oskrzelików u dzieci poniżej 2. roku życia, wirusy grypy powodują gorączkową chorobę układu oddechowego z ciężkim zajęciem dolnych dróg oddechowych, a enterowirusy mogą wywoływać różne choroby, w tym aseptyczne zapalenie opon mózgowych.1

Warto zaznaczyć, że wirusy SARS-CoV-2 (powodujący COVID-19), wirus grypy i RSV mogą również powodować objawy podobne do przeziębienia, ale formalnie nie są klasyfikowane jako wirusy powodujące typowe przeziębienie.12

Mechanizmy zakażenia i patogeneza

Wirusy przeziębienia dostają się do organizmu przez usta, oczy lub nos, gdzie infekują komórki wyściełające górne drogi oddechowe.1 Rhinowirusy, będące najczęstszą przyczyną przeziębienia, najpierw wnikają do komórek wyściełających nos i zaczynają się namnażać.2 Ostatnie badania wykazały, że rhinowirusy manipulują genami, co prowadzi do nadmiernej reakcji immunologicznej.3

Po zakażeniu wirusem układ odpornościowy organizmu rozpoczyna walkę z patogenem, co prowadzi do rozwoju charakterystycznych objawów przeziębienia. Warto podkreślić, że objawy przeziębienia są głównie wynikiem reakcji układu odpornościowego na infekcję, a nie bezpośredniego uszkodzenia tkanek przez wirusy.12 Układ odpornościowy otwiera naczynia krwionośne poprzez reakcję zapalną i zwiększa wydzielanie śluzu, co prowadzi do typowych objawów, takich jak przekrwienie błony śluzowej nosa, katar i kichanie.1

Nasilenie objawów choroby podczas infekcji górnych dróg oddechowych jest bezpośrednio związane z zakresem wywołanego stanu zapalnego, który z kolei zależy od zaangażowania systemów obronnych przeciwwirusowych.1

Drogi transmisji wirusa

Przeziębienie jest bardzo zaraźliwe i łatwo przenosi się z osoby na osobę. Istnieje kilka głównych dróg transmisji wirusów przeziębienia:123

  • Droga kropelkowa – gdy osoba zakażona kaszle, kicha lub mówi, wydziela kropelki zawierające wirus, które mogą być wdychane przez osoby znajdujące się w pobliżu
  • Kontakt bezpośredni – poprzez podanie ręki osobie zakażonej lub inny bliski kontakt
  • Kontakt pośredni – poprzez dotykanie powierzchni zanieczyszczonych wirusem (np. klamki, telefony, klawiatury), a następnie dotykanie ust, nosa lub oczu

12

Niektóre wirusy przeziębienia mogą przetrwać na powierzchniach nawet do 24 godzin. Rhinowirusy są zdolne do przeżycia na twardych powierzchniach i rękach do trzech godzin.12

Osoba zakażona jest najbardziej zaraźliwa w pierwszych 2-3 dniach przeziębienia, a choroba zwykle przestaje być zaraźliwa po upływie tygodnia.12

Czynniki ryzyka przeziębienia

Istnieje wiele czynników, które mogą zwiększać ryzyko zachorowania na przeziębienie lub wpływać na ciężkość jego przebiegu:12

  • Wiek – niemowlęta, małe dzieci i osoby starsze są bardziej podatne na zakażenie ze względu na słabszy układ odpornościowy
  • Osłabiony układ odpornościowy – osoby z chorobami przewlekłymi lub przyjmujące leki immunosupresyjne
  • Palenie tytoniu – zwiększa ryzyko infekcji dróg oddechowych o około 50%, a przeziębienia u palaczy mogą mieć cięższy i dłuższy przebieg
  • Przebywanie w zatłoczonych miejscach – szczególnie przedszkolach, szkołach, biurach, gdzie istnieje większe prawdopodobieństwo kontaktu z wirusem
  • Pora roku – więcej przeziębień występuje jesienią i zimą, co może być związane z dłuższym przebywaniem w pomieszczeniach zamkniętych i zmianami wilgotności powietrza
  • Stres – może osłabiać układ odpornościowy i zwiększać podatność na infekcje
  • Niedobór snu – badania wykazały, że osoby śpiące mniej niż 7 godzin na dobę są trzy razy bardziej narażone na przeziębienie niż osoby śpiące 8 godzin lub więcej
  • Bardzo suche powietrze – może wysuszać błonę śluzową nosa, czyniąc ją bardziej podatną na infekcje

1234

Wbrew powszechnemu przekonaniu, samo przebywanie na zimnym powietrzu, przemoczenie czy wyjście z mokrymi włosami nie powoduje przeziębienia.12 Jednak niska temperatura i niska wilgotność powietrza mogą sprzyjać przetrwaniu wirusów w środowisku, a także wpływać na mechanizmy obronne dróg oddechowych.12

Dlaczego nie nabywamy trwałej odporności?

Jednym z głównych powodów, dla których ludzie mogą wielokrotnie w ciągu życia chorować na przeziębienie, jest ogromna różnorodność wirusów mogących wywoływać tę chorobę.1 Po infekcji określonym szczepem wirusa organizm zazwyczaj wytwarza specyficzną odporność przeciwko temu konkretnemu szczepowi, jednak nie chroni ona przed zakażeniem innymi wirusami przeziębienia.2

Niektóre wirusy, takie jak rhinowirusy, mają tak wiele różnych serotypów (ponad 100), że uzyskanie odporności na jeden serotyp nie chroni przed infekcją pozostałymi.1 Inne wirusy powodujące przeziębienie, takie jak RSV, wirusy paragrypy i koronawirusy, nie wywołują długotrwałej odporności po zakażeniu.2

Z tego powodu nie opracowano jak dotąd skutecznej szczepionki przeciwko przeziębieniu – ogromna liczba potencjalnych patogenów i ich zdolność do szybkiej mutacji czyni to niezwykle trudnym.12

Rola bakterii w przeziębieniu

Chociaż przeziębienie jest przede wszystkim chorobą wirusową, w niektórych przypadkach może dojść do wtórnego zakażenia bakteryjnego jako powikłania. Badania wykazały jednak, że pierwotne zakażenia bakteryjne są bardzo rzadką przyczyną typowego przeziębienia.12

W jednym z badań naukowych analizowano próbki z nosogardła w poszukiwaniu paciorkowców beta-hemolizujących oraz odpowiedzi serologiczne na pięć dodatkowych bakterii. U żadnego z pacjentów nie stwierdzono paciorkowców beta-hemolizujących grupy A w nosogardłach. Co ciekawe, znaleziono serologiczne dowody jednoczesnego zakażenia bakteryjnego tylko u siedmiu pacjentów.1

Badania potwierdzają, że przeziębienie jest prawie wyłącznie chorobą wirusową, a zakażenia bakteryjne występują rzadko. Dlatego też pacjenci z typowym przeziębieniem, którzy są poza tym zdrowi, zwykle wracają do zdrowia bez konieczności stosowania antybiotyków.12

Powikłania przeziębienia

Chociaż przeziębienie jest zwykle łagodną, samoograniczającą się chorobą, w niektórych przypadkach może prowadzić do powikłań.1 Najczęstsze powikłania przeziębienia obejmują:12

  • Zapalenie zatok – infekcja może rozprzestrzenić się do zatok przynosowych, powodując objawy takie jak ból twarzy, ucisk i gęsta wydzielina z nosa
  • Zapalenie ucha środkowego – szczególnie częste u dzieci
  • Zapalenie oskrzeli – infekcja dolnych dróg oddechowych, charakteryzująca się uporczywym kaszlem
  • Zapalenie płuc – rzadsze, ale poważniejsze powikłanie, szczególnie u osób z osłabionym układem odpornościowym
  • Zaostrzenie astmy – przeziębienia są najczęstszym czynnikiem wyzwalającym zaostrzenia astmy u dzieci
  • Zaostrzenie POChP – u osób z przewlekłą obturacyjną chorobą płuc przeziębienie może prowadzić do zaostrzenia objawów

123

Osoby palące papierosy mają większe prawdopodobieństwo rozwinięcia powikłań, takich jak zapalenie oskrzeli czy zapalenie płuc. Podobnie osoby z POChP, które zachorują na przeziębienie wywołane rhinowirusem, mogą doświadczyć dłuższej choroby, cięższego przebiegu i dłuższego utrzymywania się kaszlu niż osoby bez choroby płuc.1

Diagnostyka i leczenie przeziębienia

Diagnoza przeziębienia zwykle opiera się na objawach klinicznych. Ze względu na wirusową etiologię przeziębienia, antybiotyki nie są skuteczne w jego leczeniu.12 Nie istnieją również skuteczne leki przeciwwirusowe skierowane przeciwko najczęstszym przyczynom przeziębienia.1

Badania wirusologiczne w kierunku przyczyn przeziębienia są rzadko wykonywane w praktyce klinicznej, ale mogą być przeprowadzane w celach badawczych. Aby wykryć maksymalną liczbę infekcji, potrzebne są zarówno hodowle wirusów, serologia, jak i techniki PCR.1

Leczenie przeziębienia ma charakter objawowy i obejmuje:1

  • Odpoczynek
  • Nawodnienie
  • Leki przeciwgorączkowe i przeciwbólowe w przypadku gorączki lub bólu
  • Leki zmniejszające przekrwienie błony śluzowej nosa (krótkotrwale)
  • Płukanie nosa roztworem soli fizjologicznej

12

Warto podkreślić, że przeziębienie jest chorobą samoograniczającą się, która zwykle ustępuje samoistnie w ciągu 7-10 dni, niezależnie od zastosowanego leczenia.12

Zapobieganie przeziębieniom

Ponieważ istnieje tak wiele różnych wirusów mogących wywoływać przeziębienie, zapobieganie wszystkim infekcjom jest trudne. Istnieje jednak kilka skutecznych strategii zmniejszających ryzyko zachorowania:12

  • Częste mycie rąk – szczególnie po kontakcie z osobami chorymi lub przebywaniu w miejscach publicznych
  • Unikanie dotykania oczu, nosa i ust nieumytymi rękami
  • Unikanie bliskiego kontaktu z osobami chorymi
  • Regularne czyszczenie i dezynfekcja często dotykanych powierzchni
  • Zdrowy styl życia – odpowiednia ilość snu, zbilansowana dieta i regularna aktywność fizyczna mogą wzmocnić układ odpornościowy
  • Unikanie palenia tytoniu i narażenia na dym tytoniowy

12

Chociaż niektóre suplementy, takie jak witamina C, cynk czy echinacea, są często reklamowane jako środki zapobiegające lub łagodzące przeziębienie, dowody naukowe potwierdzające ich skuteczność są ograniczone.12

Znaczenie epidemiologiczne przeziębienia

Przeziębienie jest najczęstszą chorobą zakaźną na świecie, z ponad miliardami przypadków rocznie tylko w Stanach Zjednoczonych.12 Przeciętny dorosły choruje na przeziębienie 2-3 razy w roku, podczas gdy dzieci mogą chorować jeszcze częściej.12

Przeziębienie jest główną przyczyną wizyt lekarskich i nieobecności w szkole i pracy.12 Mimo że zwykle jest chorobą łagodną, jej ogromna częstość występowania sprawia, że ma znaczący wpływ ekonomiczny i społeczny.

Zrozumienie złożonej etiologii przeziębienia, różnorodności wirusów je powodujących oraz mechanizmów ich rozprzestrzeniania się ma kluczowe znaczenie dla opracowywania skutecznych strategii zapobiegania i kontroli tej powszechnej choroby.

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  1. 10.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 The Common Cold
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7152197/
    The common cold, also known as upper respiratory tract infection (URI), is an acute, self-limited viral infection of the upper airway that also may involve the lower respiratory tract. The characteristic symptom complex consisting of rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, and sore or scratchy throat is familiar to all adults. […] Colds are common because some of the causative viruses do not produce lasting immunity after infection and some viruses have numerous serotypes. Cold viruses that do not produce lasting immunity include respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza viruses (PIVs), and human coronaviruses (HCoVs). Cold viruses that have numerous serotypes but produce lasting serotype-specific immunity after infection include rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, influenza viruses, and enteroviruses.
  • #1 About Common Cold | Common Cold | CDC
    https://www.cdc.gov/common-cold/about/index.html
    Different respiratory viruses can cause a cold. […] Colds usually last less than a week and are caused by different respiratory viruses. […] More than 200 respiratory viruses can cause colds. Rhinoviruses are the most frequent cause of colds in the United States. Other respiratory viruses that can cause colds in the United States include common human coronaviruses, parainfluenza viruses, adenoviruses, enteroviruses (including EV-D68), and human metapneumovirus. […] SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), influenza virus (the virus that causes flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can also cause cold-like symptoms but do not cause colds.
  • #1 Rhinovirus (RV) Infection (Common Cold): Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/227820-overview
    The common cold is an acute respiratory tract infection (RTI) characterized by mild coryzal symptoms, rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, and sneezing. Although the list of agents that cause the common cold is large, 66-75% of cases are due to 200 antigenically distinct viruses from 8 different genera. Rhinoviruses are the most common of these (25-80% of cases), followed by coronaviruses (10-20%), influenza viruses (10-15%), and adenoviruses (5%).
  • #1 Rhinovirus (RV) Infection (Common Cold): Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/227820-overview
    Rhinoviruses (RVs) are the most common cause of the common cold. They chiefly cause upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) but may infect the lower respiratory tract. […] Rhinoviruses are small, nonenveloped, positive (sense) stranded RNA viruses of the Picornaviridae family. More than 100 different serotypes have been identified, categorized into 3 major groups on the basis of specificity for particular receptors: ICAM-1, LDL receptors, and sialoprotein cell receptors. […] Transmission occurs with close exposure to infected respiratory secretions, including hand-to-hand contact, self-inoculation of eyes or nose, and, possibly, large- and small-particle aerosolization. […] Factors that increase the risk and severity of rhinovirus infection include the following: Smoking increases the risk for respiratory infection by approximately 50%. Very young or old individuals are at greater risk, possibly because of decreased immunity. Exposure to infected contacts increases the risk for infection. Touching the conjunctivae or the nose with contaminated fingers or objects increases the risk for infection. Crowding leads to increased transmission (eg, daycare settings).
  • #1 The Common Cold
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7152197/
    With at least 100 serotypes, rhinoviruses are the most common cause of URIs in children and adults. At least 50% of colds in adults are caused by rhinoviruses. Other viruses that cause URIs are HCoVs, RSV, human metapneumovirus, influenza virus, parainfluenza viruses, adenoviruses, echoviruses, and coxsackieviruses A and B. […] Some viruses cause characteristic syndromes. For example, RSV causes bronchiolitis in children 2 years or younger, influenza viruses cause febrile respiratory illness with severe lower respiratory tract involvement, adenoviruses cause pharyngoconjunctival fever, parainfluenza viruses cause croup in young children, HBoV is associated with wheezing, and enteroviruses cause a variety of illnesses, including aseptic meningitis and herpangina.
  • #1 Common cold – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/symptoms-causes/syc-20351605
    The common cold is an illness affecting your nose and throat. Germs called viruses cause a common cold. […] Many viruses can cause a common cold. Rhinoviruses are the most common cause. […] A cold virus enters the body through the mouth, eyes or nose. The virus can spread by: Droplets in the air when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes or talks. Hand-to-hand contact with someone who has a cold. Sharing objects with the virus on them, such as dishes, towels, toys or telephones. Touching your eyes, nose or mouth after contact with the virus.
  • #1 Common cold – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_cold
    The symptoms are mostly due to the body’s immune response to the infection rather than to tissue destruction by the viruses themselves. […] There is no vaccine for the common cold. This is due to the rapid mutation and wide variation of viruses that cause the common cold. […] The common cold is the most frequent infectious disease in humans. […] Infections occur more commonly during the winter. […] The common cold is generally mild and self-limiting with most symptoms generally improving in a week.
  • #1 What causes the common cold? | HowStuffWorks
    https://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/cold-flu/cold-causes.htm
    When someone says, „I have a cold,” what he or she means is, „There is something in my body that is causing me to have the set of symptoms that we call a 'cold.'” […] There are many different viruses that can cause cold symptoms, but about half of the time a cold is caused by a class of viruses called rhinoviruses. […] The rhinovirus gets into the cells lining your nose and starts reproducing. […] The virus generally moves from someone else’s hands to your hands (either directly or through some intermediate surface like a door knob), and from your hands into your nose or eyes. […] In the case of a cold, the immune system opens up blood vessels through inflammation and also increases mucus secretions. […] The irritation caused by the virus and all of the fluid causes sneezing. […] If the virus makes it into the cells lining the lungs, then they start producing fluid and mucus as well, which produces the cough. […] Eventually, the immune system eliminates the virus completely and you are well again!
  • #1 Etiology of the common cold: Modulating factors | SpringerLink
    https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-7643-9912-2_6
    The development of a cold-like illness (CLI) usually requires infection with an upper respiratory virus such as rhinovirus, influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfulienza virus, coronavirus or adenovirus, among others, and the development of sufficient signs, symptoms and pathophysiologies to qualify as being ill based on personal and cultural definitions. […] The degree of illness occurring during a vURTI is directly related to the extent of provoked inflammation, which in turn depends on the engagement of antiviral defense systems. […] Thus, risk factors for CLI can modulate either the vURTI risk by affecting virus exposure and/or susceptibility to infection, or the CLI risk given a vURTI by affecting immunocompetence, the provoked inflammation and/or the interpretation of illness as a CLI.
  • #1 Common Cold Causes: Rhinoviruses and More
    https://www.healthline.com/health/common-cold-causes
    What causes a common cold? The cold is a common infection of the upper respiratory tract. […] The real culprit is one of more than 200 viruses. […] The common cold is spread when you inhale virus particles from an infected persons sneeze, cough, speech, or loose particles from when they wipe their nose. […] Most viruses can be classified into one of several groups. […] Human rhinoviruses (which cause the most colds) can live for up to three hours on hard surfaces and hands. […] This group of viruses of which there are more than 100 types is by far the most common identified cause of colds. […] Recent research has found that HRVs manipulate genes and it is this manipulation that brings about an overblown immune response. […] Other viruses that may cause a cold include: human parainfluenza virus (HPIV), adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
  • #1 Common cold – UF Health
    https://ufhealth.org/conditions-and-treatments/common-cold
    The common cold most often causes a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. […] It is called the common cold for good reason. There are over one billion colds in the United States each year. […] Colds are caused by viruses, and allergies are caused by allergens. This means antibiotics will not work against colds or allergies. […] Colds are the most common trigger of asthma symptoms in children. […] Colds are the most common reason that children miss school and parents miss work. […] A cold virus spreads through tiny, air droplets that are released when the sick person sneezes, coughs, or blows their nose. […] You can catch a cold if a person with a cold sneezes, coughs, or blows their nose near you. […] Colds can occur at any time of the year, but they are most common in the winter or rainy seasons. […] People are most contagious for the first 2 to 3 days of a cold. A cold is most often not contagious after the first week.
  • #1 Patient education: The common cold in adults (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDatePersistent_symptoms.htm
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/the-common-cold-in-adults-beyond-the-basics/print
    The common cold can be caused by many different viruses. […] Rhinoviruses cause the greatest number of colds; there are more than 100 different strains, or varieties, of rhinovirus. […] Even though the individual strains of viruses that cause the common cold produce immunity, a person can have many colds throughout their lifetime because of subsequent infections with other viruses or viral strains. […] Colds are primarily transmitted from person to person via hands that are contaminated with nasal secretions. […] Most cold viruses are not spread by saliva. Thus, kissing itself is not likely to transmit the common cold, but close direct contact can. […] Colds are not caused by cold climates or being exposed to cold air. However, some viruses cause more colds during certain seasons (eg, fall and winter versus spring).
  • #1 Common Cold Facts: Causes, Viruses, Prevention, Kids and Colds, and More
    https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/understanding-common-cold-basics
    In the U.S., most colds happen during the fall and winter. Beginning in late August or early September, the rate increases slowly for a few weeks and remains high until March or April, when it goes down. The reason may partly have to do with the opening of schools. Cold weather may also play a role because it leads you to spend more time indoors with less air circulation, where you’re in closer contact with people who are contagious. […] Changes in humidity in different seasons may also affect how often people get sick. The most common cold viruses survive better outside the body. Also, cold weather may make the lining of your nose drier and more vulnerable to an infection by a virus.
  • #1 Viruses and Bacteria in the Etiology of the Common Cold
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC104573/
    Viral etiology was established for 138 of the 200 patients (69%). Rhinoviruses were detected in 105 patients, coronavirus OC43 or 229E infection was detected in 17, influenza A or B virus was detected in 12, and single infections with parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, and enterovirus were found in 14 patients. […] The results show that although approximately 50% of episodes of the common cold were caused by rhinoviruses, the etiology can vary depending on the epidemiological situation with regard to circulating viruses. Bacterial infections were rare, supporting the concept that the common cold is almost exclusively a viral disease. […] Viral etiology of the common cold was demonstrated for 69% of the 200 patients included in this study. […] This study shows that in addition to virus culture, serology and PCR techniques are needed to detect the maximal number of infections.
  • #1 Viruses and Bacteria in the Etiology of the Common Cold
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC104573/
    Rhinoviruses were the causative agent of the common cold in half of the cases in this investigation. […] Although rhinoviruses are the most common cause of the common cold, it must be stressed that almost half of the cases are caused by other viruses. […] We studied bacterial cultures performed with nasopharyngeal samples for beta-hemolytic streptococci and serologic responses for five additional bacteria. None of the patients had beta-hemolytic group A Streptococcus in their nasopharynges. Interestingly, we found serological evidence of concomitant bacterial infection in seven patients. […] Even those common-cold patients who may have bacterial coinfection seem to recover uneventfully without antibiotic treatment. […] The common cold is a viral illness for which the etiology can be shown in most cases. Bacterial coinfections are very rare. Antibiotic treatment is not necessary in otherwise healthy young adults with common colds.
  • #1 Common Cold Causes: Rhinoviruses and More
    https://www.healthline.com/health/common-cold-causes
    These three groups of viruses typically lead to mild infections in adults, but may cause severe lower respiratory tract infections in children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. […] The common cold will usually run its course without complication. […] In some instances it may spread to your chest, sinuses, or ears. […] The infection can then lead to other conditions such as ear infection, sinusitis, asthma, and chest infection.
  • #1 Common Cold (Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment)
    https://patient.info/doctor/common-cold-coryza
    The common cold actually describes an array of similar conditions caused by a vast number of different viruses. […] It is most often caused by infection with rhinoviruses (50-80%) and coronaviruses. […] It may also be due to infection by influenza viruses, parainfluenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, enteroviruses and adenovirus. […] There are over 200 viruses which cause colds; many people with cold symptoms are found to be infected with several viruses at the same time. […] Complications with the common cold are usually due to viral spread, or secondary bacterial infection. […] Common complications include sinusitis, otitis media, croup in very young children and babies, and chest infections. […] Cigarette smokers are likely to have a more severe and more prolonged illness than non-smokers and are significantly more likely to develop a chest infection as a complication. […] People with COPD who have a rhinovirus infection are more likely to have a longer duration of illness, a more severe illness and to cough for longer afterwards than those without lung disease.
  • #1 Common cold
    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/common-cold/
    Colds are caused by viruses and easily spread to other people. […] Antibiotics only work if you have a bacterial infection, but colds are caused by viruses.
  • #1 Facts About the Common Cold | American Lung Association
    https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/facts-about-the-common-cold
    Colds are typically minor infections of the nose and throat (upper respiratory tract) caused by more than 200 different respiratory viruses. Rhinoviruses are the most common cause of colds in the U.S. Parainfluenza viruses, adenoviruses, enteroviruses, human metapneumovirus and common human coronaviruses also cause colds. […] Colds are highly contagious. They most often spread through droplets of fluid from an infected person sneezing or coughing. These droplets can enter your body through breathing them in or touching a contaminated surface then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. […] There are no antiviral medications available for treating the common cold. Antibiotics are not useful for treating a cold and should only be taken to treat bacterial complications that arise from it.
  • #1 Common Cold Symptoms and Treatments
    https://www.medicinenet.com/common_cold/article.htm
    In general, the common cold can be contagious anywhere from one to two days before the symptoms begin up until the symptoms have completely resolved. […] Though the common cold usually occurs in the winter months, the cold weather itself does not cause the common cold. […] The low humidity during these colder months is also felt to contribute to the increased prevalence of the common cold, as many of the implicated viruses seem to survive better in low-humidity conditions. […] The common cold is a self-limiting illness that will resolve spontaneously with time and expectant management. […] No. Antibiotics play no role in treating the common cold. […] Antibiotics are effective only against illnesses caused by bacteria, and colds are caused by viruses. […] The common cold needs to run its natural course, and most people with the common cold will recover within seven to 10 days.
  • #1 Common Cold | Cedars-Sinai
    https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/c/common-cold.html
    The common cold leads to more healthcare provider visits and absences from school and work than any other illness each year. It is caused by any one of several viruses and is easily spread to others. It’s not caused by cold weather or getting wet. […] 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 rhinoviruses cause most colds. […] The common cold is very easily spread to others. It’s often spread through airborne droplets that are coughed or sneezed into the air by someone who is sick. The droplets are then inhaled by another person. […] Contrary to popular belief, cold weather or being chilled doesn’t cause a cold. But more colds do occur during the cold season. […] A cold is caused by a virus that causes inflammation of the membranes that line the nose and throat. […] Because colds are caused by viruses, treatment with antibiotics won’t work. […] The best prevention for the common cold is frequent hand washing and staying away from people who have colds.
  • #1 Common Cold – Infections – Merck Manual Consumer Version
    https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/infections/respiratory-viruses/common-cold
    The common cold is a viral infection of the lining of the nose, sinuses, and throat. […] Many different viruses cause colds. […] Common colds are among the most common illnesses. Many different viruses (rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, coronaviruses, and human metapneumoviruses) cause colds, but rhinoviruses (of which there are more than 100 subtypes) cause most colds. […] Colds spread mainly when peoples hands come in contact with nasal secretions from an infected person. These secretions contain cold viruses. […] Despite their popularity, echinacea, zinc, and vitamin C do not prevent or treat colds, nor does eating citrus fruits.
  • #1 Rhinovirus (Common Cold) | Disease Outbreak Control Division
    https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/rhinovirus/
    The rhinovirus is the most predominant cause of the common cold. […] The common cold is the main reason children miss school and adults miss work. […] Adults have an average of 2-3 colds per year, and children may have even more. […] Rhinovirus can cause symptoms such as runny nose, congestion, sore throat, and cough. […] Antibiotics should not be prescribed when a patient is suspected of a cold and should not be used to prevent severe disease caused by cold viruses.
  • #2 Viruses and Bacteria in the Etiology of the Common Cold
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC104573/
    Viral etiology was established for 138 of the 200 patients (69%). Rhinoviruses were detected in 105 patients, coronavirus OC43 or 229E infection was detected in 17, influenza A or B virus was detected in 12, and single infections with parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, and enterovirus were found in 14 patients. […] The results show that although approximately 50% of episodes of the common cold were caused by rhinoviruses, the etiology can vary depending on the epidemiological situation with regard to circulating viruses. Bacterial infections were rare, supporting the concept that the common cold is almost exclusively a viral disease. […] Viral etiology of the common cold was demonstrated for 69% of the 200 patients included in this study. […] This study shows that in addition to virus culture, serology and PCR techniques are needed to detect the maximal number of infections.
  • #2 Common Cold (Rhinovirus): Symptoms, Cold vs. Flu, Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12342-common-cold
    The common cold is an infection of your nose, sinuses, throat and windpipe. […] More than 200 different viruses can cause colds. […] Rhinoviruses cause up to 50% of common colds. There are more than 100 different rhinoviruses. But other types of viruses, such as coronaviruses, can also cause colds. More than 200 different viruses can cause a cold. […] Colds spread easily from person to person. For you to become infected, the virus has to get to one of your mucous membranes the moist lining of your nostrils, eyes or mouth. […] The common cold in children and babies occurs more often because they havent been exposed to as many viruses as adults. Their immune systems have to learn how to recognize and fight new germs. […] Cold viruses can live on objects for several hours. Babies often pick up objects that other babies have touched. If a baby touches something that has cold germs on it, then touches their mouth, eyes or nose, the germs can infect them.
  • #2 Common cold – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_cold
    The common cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract which can be caused by many different viruses. The most commonly implicated is a rhinovirus (30-80%), a type of picornavirus with 99 known serotypes. Other commonly implicated viruses include coronaviruses, adenoviruses, enteroviruses, parainfluenza and RSV. Frequently more than one virus is present. In total, more than 200 viral types are associated with colds. The viral cause of some common colds (20-30%) is unknown. […] Well over 200 virus strains are implicated in causing the common cold, with rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, adenoviruses and enteroviruses being the most common. […] The common cold virus is typically transmitted via airborne droplets, direct contact with infected nasal secretions, or fomites (contaminated objects).
  • #2 The Common Cold
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7152197/
    With at least 100 serotypes, rhinoviruses are the most common cause of URIs in children and adults. At least 50% of colds in adults are caused by rhinoviruses. Other viruses that cause URIs are HCoVs, RSV, human metapneumovirus, influenza virus, parainfluenza viruses, adenoviruses, echoviruses, and coxsackieviruses A and B. […] Some viruses cause characteristic syndromes. For example, RSV causes bronchiolitis in children 2 years or younger, influenza viruses cause febrile respiratory illness with severe lower respiratory tract involvement, adenoviruses cause pharyngoconjunctival fever, parainfluenza viruses cause croup in young children, HBoV is associated with wheezing, and enteroviruses cause a variety of illnesses, including aseptic meningitis and herpangina.
  • #2 Facts About the Common Cold | American Lung Association
    https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/facts-about-the-common-cold
    Colds are typically minor infections of the nose and throat (upper respiratory tract) caused by more than 200 different respiratory viruses. Rhinoviruses are the most common cause of colds in the U.S. Parainfluenza viruses, adenoviruses, enteroviruses, human metapneumovirus and common human coronaviruses also cause colds. […] Colds are highly contagious. They most often spread through droplets of fluid from an infected person sneezing or coughing. These droplets can enter your body through breathing them in or touching a contaminated surface then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. […] There are no antiviral medications available for treating the common cold. Antibiotics are not useful for treating a cold and should only be taken to treat bacterial complications that arise from it.
  • #2 Patient education: The common cold in children (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/the-common-cold-in-children-beyond-the-basics/print
    COMMON COLD CAUSES […] The common cold is a group of symptoms caused by a number of different viruses. There are more than 100 different varieties of rhinovirus, the type of virus responsible for the greatest number of colds. Other viruses that cause colds include enteroviruses (echovirus and coxsackieviruses) and coronaviruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Because there are so many viruses that cause the symptoms of the common cold, people may have multiple colds each year and dozens over a lifetime. […] […] […] The common cold is a group of symptoms caused by a number of different viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. […] […] […] Colds are most contagious during the first two to four days. People with colds typically carry the cold virus on their hands, where it is capable of infecting another person for at least two hours. Some cold viruses can live on surfaces (such as countertops, door handles, or toys) for as long as one day. Droplets containing viral particles can be exhaled into the air by breathing, coughing, or sneezing.
  • #2 What causes the common cold? | HowStuffWorks
    https://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/cold-flu/cold-causes.htm
    When someone says, „I have a cold,” what he or she means is, „There is something in my body that is causing me to have the set of symptoms that we call a 'cold.'” […] There are many different viruses that can cause cold symptoms, but about half of the time a cold is caused by a class of viruses called rhinoviruses. […] The rhinovirus gets into the cells lining your nose and starts reproducing. […] The virus generally moves from someone else’s hands to your hands (either directly or through some intermediate surface like a door knob), and from your hands into your nose or eyes. […] In the case of a cold, the immune system opens up blood vessels through inflammation and also increases mucus secretions. […] The irritation caused by the virus and all of the fluid causes sneezing. […] If the virus makes it into the cells lining the lungs, then they start producing fluid and mucus as well, which produces the cough. […] Eventually, the immune system eliminates the virus completely and you are well again!
  • #2 Mechanisms of symptoms of common cold and flu | SpringerLink
    https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-7643-9912-2_2
    It is the familiar symptoms of sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion, muscle aches, chilliness and fever, etc., that define the common cold and flu syndromes as self-diagnosed illnesses. […] Although there is much information about the molecular biology of the viruses that cause the common cold and flu syndromes, there is relatively little research on the immunological, physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms involved in generating the symptoms. […] The host response, not the virus, causes the symptoms of the common cold.
  • #2 Common Cold (Viral Rhinitis) – Harvard Health
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/common-cold-viral-rhinitis-a-to-z
    The common cold most often is transmitted by direct contact with germs from the nose, mouth, or coughed or sneezed droplets from someone who is infected, usually by hand-to-hand contact. Virus particles are passed from one person’s hand to another person’s hand. The second person then touches his or her eyes or rubs his or her nose, spreading the virus there, where the virus can start a new infection. It is possible to become infected by touching a surface, such as a tabletop or doorknob that was recently touched by an infected person, and then touching your eyes or nose. These viruses also can be spread by inhaling particles from the air after an infected person has coughed or sneezed. […] It is important to keep in mind that antibiotics do not cure the common cold or shorten the length of time that symptoms last.
  • #2 Cold
    https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/common-cold/
    Colds are caused by viruses. They can easily spread to other people. You are infectious until all your symptoms have gone. This usually takes about a week. […] Colds are spread by germs from coughs and sneezes. The germs can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours. […] Antibiotics do not relieve the symptoms of a cold or speed up your recovery. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections. Colds are caused by viruses.
  • #2 Common Cold Symptoms and Treatments
    https://www.medicinenet.com/common_cold/article.htm
    In general, the common cold can be contagious anywhere from one to two days before the symptoms begin up until the symptoms have completely resolved. […] Though the common cold usually occurs in the winter months, the cold weather itself does not cause the common cold. […] The low humidity during these colder months is also felt to contribute to the increased prevalence of the common cold, as many of the implicated viruses seem to survive better in low-humidity conditions. […] The common cold is a self-limiting illness that will resolve spontaneously with time and expectant management. […] No. Antibiotics play no role in treating the common cold. […] Antibiotics are effective only against illnesses caused by bacteria, and colds are caused by viruses. […] The common cold needs to run its natural course, and most people with the common cold will recover within seven to 10 days.
  • #2 Common Cold Causes: Coronavirus, RSV, Rhinovirus, and More
    https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/common_cold_causes
    There are also a lot of cold viruses that doctors haven’t identified. About 20%-30% of colds in adults are caused by an „unknown” bug. […] Despite all that researchers have learned about the common cold, there’s a lot more to uncover. For instance, the causes of 20%-30% of adult colds remain unknown. […] What is certain is that many factors can increase your chances of catching a cold. The list includes: […] Cold germs can spread quickly and easily in places like schools, childcare centers, and airports. […] Very dry air can dry out your nasal passages. […] Even being around secondhand smoke makes it more likely that you’ll get sick. […] One study found that people who slept less than seven hours each night were three times more likely to catch a cold than people who slept eight hours or more. […] More than 200 different types of viruses can cause the common cold, or what’s known as an upper respiratory infection.
  • #2 Common Cold | Cedars-Sinai
    https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/c/common-cold.html
    The common cold leads to more healthcare provider visits and absences from school and work than any other illness each year. It is caused by any one of several viruses and is easily spread to others. It’s not caused by cold weather or getting wet. […] 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 rhinoviruses cause most colds. […] The common cold is very easily spread to others. It’s often spread through airborne droplets that are coughed or sneezed into the air by someone who is sick. The droplets are then inhaled by another person. […] Contrary to popular belief, cold weather or being chilled doesn’t cause a cold. But more colds do occur during the cold season. […] A cold is caused by a virus that causes inflammation of the membranes that line the nose and throat. […] Because colds are caused by viruses, treatment with antibiotics won’t work. […] The best prevention for the common cold is frequent hand washing and staying away from people who have colds.
  • #2 Common Cold: Symptoms, Cause, Diagnosis and Treatment | MedPark Hospital
    https://www.medparkhospital.com/en-US/disease-and-treatment/common-cold
    The common cold is a contagious respiratory infection caused by viruses — more than 200 viral strains can cause the common cold. Of these, the rhinoviruses are most frequently responsible for colds. […] Different viruses can cause symptoms of a cold. But the rhinoviruses cause most of the common colds. There are more than 100 strains of rhinoviruses. When you contract one viral strain, your body produces immunity specific to that strain. But there remain so many other strains that you are not immune to. That is why you can have many colds throughout your lifetime.
  • #2 The Common Cold
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7152197/
    The common cold, also known as upper respiratory tract infection (URI), is an acute, self-limited viral infection of the upper airway that also may involve the lower respiratory tract. The characteristic symptom complex consisting of rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, and sore or scratchy throat is familiar to all adults. […] Colds are common because some of the causative viruses do not produce lasting immunity after infection and some viruses have numerous serotypes. Cold viruses that do not produce lasting immunity include respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza viruses (PIVs), and human coronaviruses (HCoVs). Cold viruses that have numerous serotypes but produce lasting serotype-specific immunity after infection include rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, influenza viruses, and enteroviruses.
  • #2 Azthena logo with the word Azthena
    https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-the-Common-Cold.aspx
    The common cold, also known as rhinopharyngitis, is a type of respiratory tract infection caused by one of many types of virus. […] The common cold is usually caused by a rhinovirus that is transmitted through contact with the saliva or nasal secretions of someone already infected by the virus. […] Sneezing or coughing cause the virus to spread and contaminate surfaces, which other people may touch and thus contract the virus. […] As the common cold is caused by many different virus strains, it is not possible to immunize against the common cold. […] Each virus requires unique targeted antibodies to be prevented and it is not feasible to include all antibodies in an immunization for the common cold.
  • #2 Viruses and Bacteria in the Etiology of the Common Cold
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC104573/
    Rhinoviruses were the causative agent of the common cold in half of the cases in this investigation. […] Although rhinoviruses are the most common cause of the common cold, it must be stressed that almost half of the cases are caused by other viruses. […] We studied bacterial cultures performed with nasopharyngeal samples for beta-hemolytic streptococci and serologic responses for five additional bacteria. None of the patients had beta-hemolytic group A Streptococcus in their nasopharynges. Interestingly, we found serological evidence of concomitant bacterial infection in seven patients. […] Even those common-cold patients who may have bacterial coinfection seem to recover uneventfully without antibiotic treatment. […] The common cold is a viral illness for which the etiology can be shown in most cases. Bacterial coinfections are very rare. Antibiotic treatment is not necessary in otherwise healthy young adults with common colds.
  • #2 Common cold
    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/common-cold/
    Colds are caused by viruses and easily spread to other people. […] Antibiotics only work if you have a bacterial infection, but colds are caused by viruses.
  • #2 Common Cold (Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment)
    https://patient.info/doctor/common-cold-coryza
    The common cold actually describes an array of similar conditions caused by a vast number of different viruses. […] It is most often caused by infection with rhinoviruses (50-80%) and coronaviruses. […] It may also be due to infection by influenza viruses, parainfluenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, enteroviruses and adenovirus. […] There are over 200 viruses which cause colds; many people with cold symptoms are found to be infected with several viruses at the same time. […] Complications with the common cold are usually due to viral spread, or secondary bacterial infection. […] Common complications include sinusitis, otitis media, croup in very young children and babies, and chest infections. […] Cigarette smokers are likely to have a more severe and more prolonged illness than non-smokers and are significantly more likely to develop a chest infection as a complication. […] People with COPD who have a rhinovirus infection are more likely to have a longer duration of illness, a more severe illness and to cough for longer afterwards than those without lung disease.
  • #2 Common Cold Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention │ Vicks
    https://vicks.com/en-us/symptom/cold
    Although many different viruses can cause a cold, rhinoviruses are the most cause of the common cold. A cold virus enters your body through your mouth, eyes or nose, usually when someone who is sick coughs, sneezes, or talks (the virus can spread through droplets in the air). You can also catch a cold by touching contaminated objects and surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. […] To date, there are no antiviral medications that can fight the viruses that cause the common cold. Also, you cannot use antibiotics as common cold treatment as these are only used to treat infections caused by bacteria and as we know, the common cold comes from a virus.
  • #2 The Common Cold – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Diagnosis – MedBroadcast.com
    https://medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/the-common-cold
    Since there’s no cure, a combination of coping strategies and medication can at least improve symptoms and keep you more comfortable. […] The best way to prevent the common cold is to wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, especially after touching objects that may have the virus on them and before preparing food or eating. […] You can also avoid close contact with people who have colds, especially for the first few days.
  • #2 Common cold | Symptoms, Causes, Stages, Treatment, & Facts | Britannica
    https://www.britannica.com/science/common-cold
    common cold, acute viral infection that starts in the upper respiratory tract, sometimes spreads to the lower respiratory structures, and may cause secondary infections in the eyes or middle ears. More than 200 agents can cause symptoms of the common cold, including parainfluenza, influenza, respiratory syncytial viruses, and reoviruses. Rhinoviruses, however, are the most frequent cause, and some 100 different strains of rhinoviruses have been associated with coldlike illness in humans. […] Common colds are viral infections that arise in the upper respiratory tract. They are among the most common illnesses that afflict humans. […] The usual duration of the illness is about five to seven days, but lingering cough and postnasal discharge may persist for two weeks or more.
  • #2 Patient education: The common cold in children (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/the-common-cold-in-children-beyond-the-basics/print
    […] […] There have been few clinical trials of cold medications (antihistamines, decongestants, cough medicines, and expectorants) in infants and children. We do not recommend their use in infants and children because of the lack of proven efficacy and the potential risk of dangerous side effects. […] […] […] A number of alternative products, including zinc, vitamin C, and herbal products such as echinacea, are advertised to treat or prevent the common cold. None of these treatments is recommended. With the possible exception of vitamin C, none of these treatments have been proven to be effective in clinical trials. Although there is some evidence that prophylactic use of vitamin C may decrease the duration of the common cold in children, it is insufficient to recommend routine use. […] […] […] Simple hygiene measures can help to prevent infection with the viruses that cause colds, including hand washing or use of an alcohol-based hand rub and limiting contact with others who are ill.
  • #2 Common Cold Symptoms and Treatments
    https://www.medicinenet.com/common_cold/article.htm
    The common cold is an upper respiratory tract infection caused by many different viruses. […] The common cold is a self-limited contagious disease that can be caused by a number of different types of viruses. […] More than 200 different types of viruses are known to cause the common cold, with rhinovirus causing approximately 30%-40% of all adult colds. […] Other commonly implicated viruses include coronavirus (COVID-19), adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and parainfluenza virus. […] Because so many different viruses can cause the common cold, and because new cold viruses constantly develop, the body never builds up resistance against all of them. […] The common cold occurs most frequently during the fall, winter, and spring. […] The common cold is the most frequently occurring viral infection in the world, and it is a leading cause of doctor visits and missed days from school and work.
  • #2
    https://www.today.com/health/cold-flu/why-do-i-keep-getting-colds-rcna48315
    For most adults, its normal to get somewhere between one and three colds per year, Dr. Otto Yang, professor of medicine in the division of infectious diseases and of microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics at the David Geffen School of Medicine
  • #3 Common Cold Causes: Coronavirus, RSV, Rhinovirus, and More
    https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/common_cold_causes
    You know the drill. Your throat’s a little scratchy, and you start sneezing and coughing and feeling kind of eh. Pretty soon you’re in the grip of a nasty cold. To add insult to injury, all that big-time misery is from a tiny invader called a virus. […] There are more than 200 viruses linked to the common cold. […] A cold is another name for an upper respiratory infection. You catch one when germs infect your upper respiratory tract, which includes your: […] Here are a few of the most common cold viruses. […] Rhinoviruses cause 10%-40% of colds. […] A coronavirus strain is most likely to cause your cold in the winter and early spring. […] This virus is so common that most kids have it by the time they turn 2 years old. […] Researchers have found four types of this family of viruses.
  • #3 Common Cold Causes: Rhinoviruses and More
    https://www.healthline.com/health/common-cold-causes
    What causes a common cold? The cold is a common infection of the upper respiratory tract. […] The real culprit is one of more than 200 viruses. […] The common cold is spread when you inhale virus particles from an infected persons sneeze, cough, speech, or loose particles from when they wipe their nose. […] Most viruses can be classified into one of several groups. […] Human rhinoviruses (which cause the most colds) can live for up to three hours on hard surfaces and hands. […] This group of viruses of which there are more than 100 types is by far the most common identified cause of colds. […] Recent research has found that HRVs manipulate genes and it is this manipulation that brings about an overblown immune response. […] Other viruses that may cause a cold include: human parainfluenza virus (HPIV), adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
  • #3 Rhinovirus (RV) Infection (Common Cold): Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/227820-overview
    Rhinoviruses (RVs) are the most common cause of the common cold. They chiefly cause upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) but may infect the lower respiratory tract. […] Rhinoviruses are small, nonenveloped, positive (sense) stranded RNA viruses of the Picornaviridae family. More than 100 different serotypes have been identified, categorized into 3 major groups on the basis of specificity for particular receptors: ICAM-1, LDL receptors, and sialoprotein cell receptors. […] Transmission occurs with close exposure to infected respiratory secretions, including hand-to-hand contact, self-inoculation of eyes or nose, and, possibly, large- and small-particle aerosolization. […] Factors that increase the risk and severity of rhinovirus infection include the following: Smoking increases the risk for respiratory infection by approximately 50%. Very young or old individuals are at greater risk, possibly because of decreased immunity. Exposure to infected contacts increases the risk for infection. Touching the conjunctivae or the nose with contaminated fingers or objects increases the risk for infection. Crowding leads to increased transmission (eg, daycare settings).
  • #3 Common Cold: Symptoms & Causes | NewYork-Presbyterian
    https://www.nyp.org/primary-care/common-cold
    The common cold can be caused by more than 200 rhinoviruses, which inflame the nose and throat when the virus enters the body through the nose, mouth, or eyes. Colds can spread easily from: […] Certain environmental, behavioral, and genetic factors can increase your risk of contracting the common cold, including: […] The common cold is more prevalent in the fall and winter months. […] Children are more like than adults to contract the common cold. […] Because smoking disrupts the immune systems, smokers may be at increased risk of contracting the common cold, as well as developing more severe illness. […] People with a weakened immune system, such as those with a chronic illness, are at increased risk of catching colds. […] Being in crowded settings, such as offices, daycares, and schools, can increase the risk of getting a cold. […] While stress does not directly cause the common cold, it can make people more likely to develop a cold. […] Some studies have shown that people who do not get quality sleep or enough sleep may be more likely to get a cold.
  • #3 Patient education: The common cold in children (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/the-common-cold-in-children-beyond-the-basics/print
    […] […] COVID-19 infection in children is frequently either asymptomatic or results in a mild cold with fever and a cough (although runny nose, abdominal pain, vomiting, or other symptoms may occur). Infection caused by COVID-19 typically begins four to six days after exposure but may occur as long as 14 days after exposure. Severe infection, hospitalization, and death are less common in children than adults. […] […] […] A cold caused by COVID-19 in a child looks like a cold caused by any other cold virus and can only be diagnosed with a COVID-19 test. […] […] […] Most children who have colds do not develop complications. However, caregivers should be aware of the signs and symptoms of potential complications, including ear infections, asthma, sinusitis, pneumonia, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), myocarditis, and pericarditis.
  • #4
    https://www.prevention.com/health/a22626961/common-cold-causes/
    The common cold is very transmissible, says Benjamin Tweel, MD, an otolaryngologist at The Mount Sinai Hospital. Its viruses (usually rhinoviruses) are spread both by touch and through the airyou can pick up someones sneeze just by breathing. […] Your immune system cant fight off infection caused by cold viruses if youre not getting enough sleep. In fact, a small 2017 study using 11 sets of twins found that skimping on your snooze actually suppresses your immune system. […] Dr. Tweel emphasizes the importance of hydration, whether youre trying to prevent a cold or fight one off. While there isnt much research proving that drinking extra fluid will help you beat a cold, dehydration weakens the immune system, making you more susceptible to colds. […] Certain individuals who have compromised immune systems either from a disease specific to the immune system, certain types of cancers that target the immune system (such as lymphoma or leukemia), or are on medications that suppress the immune system (like chemotherapy) are more susceptible to infections, including colds, says Dr. Parodi. […] Age also plays a role in the strength of your immune system and cold-fighting abilities. Infants and the elderly are at a much higher risk for more severe infections due to immune issues, says Dr. Voigt.