Common cold, how to cure?  

Common cold is the acute upper respiratory tract infection i.e. nose and throat caused mainly by different viruses. 

Causes:
Many types of virus are the culprit of the common cold. Common viruses are;
-    Rhinovirus - commonest
-    Influenza virus
-    Corona virus
-    Respiratory Syncytial virus
-    Adenovirus
-    Enterovirus
-    Parainflunza virus

Symptoms:
-    Sneezing
-    Runny nose
-    Cough
-    Nasal congestion
-    Sore throat
-    Muscle ache
-    Fever
-    Fatigue
-    Malaise
-    Headache
-    Loss of appetite

Mode of transmission:
Via air droplets while sneezing, direct contact with infected nasal secretions or fomites or contaminated objects

Diagnosis:
-    Clinical diagnosis
-    Isolation of viral agent involved is rarely performed

Treatment:
Most of the common colds are self limiting. Following measures can be performed:
-    Take rest
-    Drink plenty of fluids to maintain hydration
-    Gargling with warm saline water
-    If fever and pain: take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain relief.

Prevention:
-    Handwashing and face masks while sitting around infected people.
-    Vaccination against virus and isolation of the diseased is not much useful.