The common cold strikes adults two to three times a year on average, while children under age 2 develop colds about six times a year.

Colds are not caused by cold weather but by 100 types of Rhinoviruses.

PREVENTION

· The best way to avoid a cold is to keep your hands germ-free.

· using alcohol-based disinfectants and gloves, are also effective in preventing the cold. But soap is more effective than alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

· In children, taking zinc (10 to 15 milligrams of zinc sulfate daily) works, too. This is found in meat, beans and nuts, and appears to be effective in reducing the number of colds per year.

· There is some evidence that probiotics may help prevent colds but it is unclear why.

· Gargling water, eating garlic, exercising and homeopathic remedies — didn’t provide clear or sufficient evidence.

· Cold viruses love eyes and noses but rarely leap mouth to mouth. So avoid rub your eyes and giving kisses.

TREATMENT

· There’s no vaccine or cure for the cold, which usually takes a week to fully resolve.

· pain relievers ibuprofen are effective in relieving pain and fever, but not in relieving other symptoms.

· Taking antihistamines combined with decongestants or pain medications appears to be somewhat effective in treating the symptoms of colds in people older than age 5.

· Humidity can relieve congestion.

· As for nasal sprays, the drug ipratropium may alleviate a runny nose, but it is not effective in treating congestion.

· Vitamin C and antibiotics showed no benefit for treating the common cold.

FUNNY FACT

· People who are happy, lively, calm or exhibit other positive emotions are less likely to catch colds and report fewer symptoms of the illness.