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COMMOM COLD CAUSES

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Sid Shrk
COMMOM COLD CAUSES

The common cold is a group of symptoms caused by a number of different viruses. There are more than 100 different varieties of rhinovirus, the type of virus responsible for the greatest number of colds. Other viruses that cause colds include enteroviruses (echovirus and coxsackieviruses) and coronaviruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes COVID-19. Because there are so many viruses that cause the symptoms of the common cold, people may have multiple colds each year and dozens over a lifetime.

Children under six years average six to eight colds per year (up to one per month, September through April), with symptoms lasting an average of 14 days. This means that a child could be ill with intermittent cold symptoms for nearly half of the days in this time period, without cause for concern. Young children in daycare appear to suffer from more colds than children cared for at home. However, when day-care children enter primary school, they catch fewer colds, presumably because they are already immune to a larger number.

Seasonal patterns — The common cold may occur at any time of year, although most colds occur during the fall and winter months, regardless of the geographic location. Colds are not caused by cold climates or being exposed to cold air.

Transmission — Colds are transmitted from person-to-person, either by direct contact or by contact with the virus in the environment. Colds are most contagious during the first two to four days.

Preventive measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic (eg, mask-wearing, avoiding crowds) have slowed the overall spread of cold viruses in children.

Direct contact — People with colds typically carry the cold virus on their hands, where it is capable of infecting another person for at least two hours. If a child with a cold touches another child or adult, who then touches their eye, nose, or mouth, the virus can later infect that person.

Infection from particles on surfaces — Some cold viruses can live on surfaces (such as countertops, door handles, or toys) for up to one day.

Inhaling viral particles — Droplets containing viral particles can be exhaled into the air by breathing or coughing. Rhinoviruses are not usually transmitted as a result of contact with infected droplets, although influenza virus and coronavirus can be transmitted via small droplets. Cold viruses are not usually spread through saliva.

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