Updated May 04, 2014.

Definition:

The common cold is a viral illness that causes any number of upper respiratory symptoms. The most common are runny nose, sneezing, scratchy throat and (in some cases) cough.

Adults typically get between 2 and 4 colds a year, while children can get between 6 and 12 per year.

There are over 200 viruses that cause colds, but the most common are rhinoviruses and coronaviruses.

The common cold cannot be "cured," but it is a self-limiting illness that usually only causes symptoms for about a week.

 

Also Known As: cold, upper respiratory infection, URI

Examples: There is no cure for the common cold.

 

Want to know more?

• All About the Common Cold
• Cold Symptoms
• What to Do When You Get a Cold
• Treating Your Cold