Question: What Causes The Common Cold?
Answer:
The common cold is caused by more than 200 different viruses. Due to the fact that there are so many different causative viruses out there, it seems like we don't gain immunity to the common cold. However, we usually only become infected by the same virus once. Among the various viruses, the following are the most common causes:
- rhinovirus - 30 to 35% of cases
- coronavirus
- respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- adenoviruses
- coxsackieviruses
- echoviruses
- orthomyxoviruses - influenza A and B viruses belong to this group
- paramyxoviruses - several parainfluenza viruses belong to this group
- enteroviruses
Though catching the common cold may seem inevitable, especially if it's making the rounds in your home or office, there are things you can do to protect yourself.
