What is the common cold?
Q: What is the common cold?
A: The common cold is a virus-caused infectious disease that affects the upper respiratory system, causing symptoms such as coughs, painful throat, runny nose and fever.
Q: How does the common cold spread?
A: The common cold spreads easily through close contact with infected people and through moist air.
Q: What are some of the symptoms of the common cold?
A: Symptoms of the common cold include coughs, painful throat, runny nose and fever.
Q: How long do symptoms usually last for?
A: Symptoms usually last seven to ten days but can sometimes last up to three weeks.
Q: Are there any ways to prevent getting a cold?
A: Hand washing is good for preventing catching a cold as well as wearing face masks in crowded places such as mass transit systems.
Q: Is there a cure for the common cold?
A: Unfortunately there is no cure for the common cold but its symptoms can be treated.
Q: How often do people get a cold on average?
A: On average adults get two to three colds every year while children get between six and twelve every year.
