The common cold is caused by a variety of viruses, most commonly the rhinovirus, along with more virulent forms such as the para-influenza virus, the syncytial virus as well as several others. As air-borne viruses, the cold is highly contagious by way of the nasopharynx (the nose and throat), which explains its rapid spread.
Within 48 hours of initial infection, most patients began to suffer symptoms ranging from a sore throat, nasal congestion, coughing and sneezing; more serious cases are accompanied by muscle fatigue, headaches and weakness in the body – the related influenza virus can causes even more sever symptoms lasting several weeks. Among the more serious concerns related to the common cold is that, by weakening your immune system, the cold can result in parallel infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis and strep throat, which are caused by independent viruses.
Although vaccines against certain forms of influenza are increasingly common, there is no universal vaccine against the common cold, given the rapid rates of mutation among various strains and the wide diversity of serotypes from virus to virus. As a result, the best treatment for combating the cold virus is by taking steps to strengthen your immune system, by ensuring proper consumption of Vitamins (such as C), ingesting plenty of antioxidants (in tea, among other sources) and getting plenty of rest.
