Colds are caused by a small virus usually of a type called rhinovirus found in invisible droplets in the air we breathe or on things we touch. They attack the lining of the nose and throat, triggering an immune system reaction that leads to a running or stuffy nose, headache, a sore throat, fever, and later on cough.

The virus can spread from person to person after sneezing, and coughing with the victim breathing in the infected invisible droplets or from someone hands to those of others such that when the victim touches his nose, eyes, or even the mouth, he ends up getting infected.

Colds are most contagious during the first two to four days after symptoms appear, and persist up to three weeks. Most colds clear up within a week, but some last for as long as two weeks.

Children, elderly, smokers or passive smokers easily get a cold which may even be more severe, last longer or end up into complications like pneumonia. Because the cold viruses are many, it has been difficult to get an effective vaccine, let alone get an effective drug to kill the virus but many over the counter drug concoctions to alleviate symptoms can be used.

Traditional treatment of chicken soup contains a mucus-thinning amino acid called cysteine that helps control congestion-causing white cells.
But wearing a sweater or taking vitamin C are of no help.

Prevention
Because there is no effective treatment, one has to avoid catching or spreading the virus by avoiding a person suspected to have a cold, wash hands before or after blowing the nose, cover the nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing, avoid sharing towels, toothbrushes and avoid handling used tissue. However, colds are extremely difficult to prevent entirely. Medicine can't cure the common cold, but it can be used to relieve such symptoms as muscle aches, headache, and fever with the virus going with time.

Cures

Detox/Purify Formula Herbal Tea - Reduces toxic substances, helps eliminate toxic build-up, detoxifies the body, prevents pimples, blemishes, rashes & infections of the skin.

Foot therapy - Foot therapy works successfully for common cold. It is effective not only for enhancing the function of immue system, but also for strengthening the physiological function of the body.

Multi-functional Tonic Pills to Invigorate Yin - Boost the immune system, promot the blood circulation, improve the physical condition and metabolism, and regain vigor from weakness and fatigue.

Drinking lots of warm fluids or non-celled juices ensures replacement of lost fluids through a running nose. One should avoid taking caffeinated beverages, or alcohol, which can cause frequent urination risking dehydration.

Colds get better within a few days to weeks, whether or not one takes medication but when they take longer there may be complications of sinusitis, ear infections, and bronchitis. Asthma, and chronic bronchitis can also get worse.