What Is the Common Cold?
2. Causes
The common cold is usually caused by the rhinoviruses, although there are more than 200 virus strains that are known to cause the disease. It is typically spread when an infected person releases contaminated droplets when they talk, sneeze, or cough. These drops can then be inhaled or ingested, contaminating a new host.
The common cold is also sometimes caught through physical contact with an infected person. Sharing items like cutlery and crockery with an infected person is another common method of transmission. People that have been in contact with a contaminated surface will often go on to touch their face, and this can complete the transmission.
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