Learn about the common cold, its causes and spread, signs and symptoms and ways to prevent it. More than 3 million people develop common colds each year. Upper respiratory infections (uris) are viruses and bacteria that infect your respiratory tract above your vocal cords
Symptoms can include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat or headache Many viruses can cause a cold Common colds, strep throat and sinus infections are all examples of upper respiratory infections
It can affect your nose, throat, ears, and sinuses You are more likely to get a cold in the winter Your risk is higher if you smoke cigarettes or have allergies, such as hay fever A cold is caused by a virus
Many viruses can cause a cold, and each is contagious. Most upper respiratory infections are viral infections that affect the nose, sinuses, throat, and larynx (voice box) The most common types of uris include A cold, also called an upper respiratory infection (uri), is a collection of symptoms and one of the most common illnesses, leading to more doctor visits and absences from school and work than any other illness each year
This number increases for children who attend daycare Colds do not happen as much after the age of 6 The common cold is a viral infection affecting the upper respiratory tract (nose, nasal cavities, pharynx, and larynx) Adults typically experience three episodes per year, most frequently between september and may
Children are affected even more often. An upper respiratory infection (uri) is a common illness, with the average adult experiencing two to four episodes annually Uris are acute infections localized to the upper airways, typically resolving within a week or two Understanding the nature of a uri is helpful for managing symptoms and knowing when to seek medical evaluation.