The common cold is a mild viral infection of the nose and throat caused by the rhinovirus. It is the most common infectious disease in humans, with adults experiencing an average of two to three colds per year and children experiencing even more. Colds are usually not serious, but they can be uncomfortable and can lead to other complications, such as sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
There is no cure for the common cold, but there are a number of things you can do to avoid getting one. Some of the most effective ways to avoid getting a cold include: