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Besides a runny nose and a terrible accent

The common cold is caused by any of the 200 viruses spread by person-to-person contact or via the air. The most common include rhinoviruses and adenoviruses. In 40% of the cases, however, no agent is identified. However, drugs that suppress the immune system can make a person more susceptible to infectious conditions, including the common cold.

Risk factors

• Cold weather does not cause the common cold. It may, however, increase the frequency and level of risk of infection.

• Being present in public places over an extended period of time. Children attending school most often contract colds this way.

• Another household member with a cold (extremely contagious).

• Crowded and/or unsanitary living conditions. This type of environment is conducive to harvesting cold viruses, and contaminated items facilitate the spread of the virus.

• Direct contact with infected individuals. The common cold spreads through simple touch, such as kissing or merely shaking hands.

• Stress, fatigue, and/or allergic disorders. These weaken the immune response and expedite infection.

Mistaken Identity

Certain conditions that resemble the cold and can make you think you have one.

• The flu, another highly contagious viral infection.
• Mumps
• Rubella
• Epstein-Barr virus
• Seasonal allergies