Why You’re Sniffling: The Truth About Colds!

Have you ever wondered what exactly the common cold is? It’s a mild respiratory illness caused by a virus named rhinovirus. Occasionally, influenza viruses can also cause cold-like symptoms which lead to the flu. When these viruses enter our body, they head straight for the nose, throat, and airways, which is why we end up with a sore throat and runny nose. So, how do we catch it? It often spreads through tiny droplets in the air when someone sneezes or when you touch contaminated surfaces and then touch your face. Once the virus is inside, it starts reproducing. This consists of four stages. The process starts with the virus attaching to a cell in your nose. Next, the virus will enter the cell and release its genetic information to produce more viruses. Lastly, the cell will release these new viruses which trigger our body to fight back. To fight the cold, make sure to stay hydrated, wash your hands regularly, and reduce close contact with sick people. A little prevention goes a long way to preventing these viruses from spreading! This video was made by McMaster University student Perrin Guru in collaboration with the Demystifying Research McMaster Program.    This video is provided for general and educational information only. Please consult your healthcare provider for information about your health.     Copyright McMaster University 2024