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Posted by on Jul 23, 2016 in TellMeWhy |

Why Can’t We Cure the Common Cold?

Why Can’t We Cure the Common Cold?

Why Can’t We Cure the Common Cold? Unfortunately, there aren’t any ”miracle” drugs to prevent the common cold. Common colds are caused by a group of germs, known as cold viruses which infect the nose and throat.

More than 200 different virus strains can trigger a cold; the rhinoviruses are the most common, but the sneezes and sniffles usually run their course in about three to ten days.

A cold vaccine isn’t practical and colds treated with antibiotics last the same length of time as untreated colds. Gradually, the body’s own defense mechanism fights off the invader.

The primary methods of prevention are hand washing; not touching the eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands; and staying away from other sick people. Some evidence supports the use of face masks. No cure for the common cold exists, but the symptoms can be treated.

The common cold is the most frequent infectious disease in humans. The average adult gets two to four colds a year, while the average child may get six to eight. They occur more commonly during the winter. These infections have been with humanity since ancient times.

Content for this question contributed by Jennifer Childs, resident of Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts, USA