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Everything You Need to Know About the Common Cold

Dec 2023 / Jan 2024
Illustrations by Vidhya Nagarajan

Winter brings many delightful things (we’re looking at you, hot cocoa with mini marshmallows). But having a runny nose, sneezing fits, and scratchy throat? Not so delightful. One of the downsides of cooler weather is that you spend more time indoors, where you are exposed to more germs. Many of those germs can cause the group of symptoms we call a cold. Having a cold is definitely no fun. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to treat one. Even better, there are simple steps you can take to avoid catching a cold in the first place. Check out the facts on this common illness—and don’t forget to cover your mouth when you sneeze!

A Cure in a Bowl?

You may have heard that a nice, hot bowl of chicken noodle soup will cure a cold. In fact, the only cure is to get plenty of rest, drink fluids, and let your body fight the illness. That said, most warm liquids, including soup, are good for colds because they help keep you hydrated. They’ll also open your nasal passages, which will help you feel less stuffed up. You can also drink hot tea or warm water with a little honey and lemon juice.

Block That Cold!

  • Wash your hands often.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Try to keep your distance from people who are sick.
  • Don’t share drinking glasses, utensils, or food.

6-10: Number of colds the average child gets per year

2-4: Number of colds the average adult gets per year

More than 200 different viruses can cause the common cold.

QUIZ!

1

True or False?: Antibiotics have no effect on a cold.

Antibiotics kill bacteria, which are the tiny organisms that cause illnesses like strep throat. Colds are caused by viruses. Viruses are even smaller organisms that cause many types of illnesses, including colds and flu.
2

True or False?: Taking massive doses of vitamin C will ward off a cold.

No research has been able to prove a connection between vitamin C and colds.
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