How is the Common Cold Transmitted
The common cold is a highly contagious infection that can be caused by several different viruses. It causes symptoms such as; a sore throat, cough, congestion, runny nose, muscles aches and a mild fever. There is no cure for the common cold, but the immune system is able to deal with the virus and the symptoms usually pass within 7-10 days. However, it is not uncommon for some of the symptoms, especially the cough, to last for 3 weeks. The cold is the most frequent viral infection in humans. It is estimated that an adult with catch a cold two to four times a year and a child may have 6 and 12 colds a year. Read on to find out how this infection in transmitted and how to avoid it!
How do you catch a cold
Sneezing and coughing is one of the ways that the body attempts to get rid of the infection. This releases tiny droplets that contain the live virus into the air and onto your hands or any surface in the area. The virus spreads to a healthy person when they breathe in these tiny particles containing the live virus. This is especially common if you spend time in an enclosed area with an infected person. The virus can also spread by touching an infected surface, such as shaking hands with the infected person, and then touching your own eyes, nose or mouth. The common cold virus is killed by hand washing and it is especially important to do this if you have spent time around someone who is unwell.
Related Articles