(a) Pathogen: Common cold is one of the most common communicable disease. It is caused by several strains of Rhino viruses. There are more than 200 types of viruses which can cause common cold. This virus infects nose and nasal passage. Hence, it is also called pneumotropic viral disease. It does not infect the lungs.

(b) Mode of Transmission (Epidemiology): The infection transmits from discharge of nose or sneeze at an infected person inhaled directly. It also spread though contaminated object such as pens, books, door knobs, utensils etc.

(c) Symptoms: Following are symptoms of common cold:

• It is characterised by nasal congestion and discharge.
• Headache, restlessness,slight fever.
• Sore throat, harshness, cough, burning in nose.
• these characters lasts for 3 - 7 days.

(d) Prevention: These include:

• Avoid direct contact of infected person.
• Belongings of infected person should not be used.

(e) Treatment: Common cold occurs in epidemic form.There is no particular treatment for common cold, mostly, antibiotics are given to check the secondary infection.