The age in which we live has proved to be exceptional above all of past history simply because the latter part of the twentieth century was an explosion in knowledge and progress. However, there is one thing that we have failed miserably at - the eradication of the common cold. With all of our technology and medical knowledge, we have yet come up with a cure for the common everyday cold that afflicts millions on a daily basis. Where does the common cold come from and how do we fall victim to this invisible menace?

Actually the common cold is not invisible, although we can't see it, the virus that does cause the colds lives smack in the middle of your face, in your nose. Not only does it lie in your nose but it also takes up residence in your sinuses, bronchial tubes and inner ear. We are all familiar with the symptoms of the common cold which include: a runny nose followed closely by sneezing, cough and in some instances a sore throat. The common cold usually announces it's presence with a general feeling of body weakness or aches and chilliness.

Adults can expect to catch a common cold on average two to three times a year with children unfortunately catching a cold as much as ten times in a calendar year. Children are more susceptible to colds because they go to school with other children that have colds and children are not likely to practice preventive measures to help decrease the chances of cold such as hand washing.

Although there are many different strains of the cold virus, the Rhinovirus is the most common cause of the common cold. One of the most important preventive measures that can be used to avoid the chances of catching the common cold is hand washing. When in public places, it is very important that your hands not touch your face until such time that your hands can be washed. This will increase your chances of not catching a cold.

There is not a cure for the cold, however there are medicines that can be used to treat the symptoms. One medicine is antihistamines which are used to control sneezing and runny nose. Decongestants are used to open nasal passages to increase air flow to making breathing easier. Cough suppressants are used to reduce coughing often associated with cold symptoms.



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