But the concept of a generalized antiviral is promising. In theory, generalized antiviral drugs would attack entire families of viruses. One such drug, Pleconaril, may be on the market to treat viral meningitis by the end of the year. Preliminary studies suggest that Pleconaril fights a whole family of viruses called picornaviruses, including those that cause the common cold.
Cold viruses enter the body through any mucous membrane such as the eyes, nose, or mouth.
The virus then attaches itself to cells, where it sends out signals to emit a wide range of often-miserable cold symptoms. Some other promising research has shown that rhinoviruses attach to a receptor before gaining entry into nasal cells. Researchers are currently developing a nasal spray that prevents the virus from attaching to the receptors, but it's not on the market yet. Pleconaril is currently the closest to the market. There are some potential 'cures' for the common cold on the horizon, some in pill and others in nasal spray form, but right now, as far as the general public is concerned, the treatment of choice is symptom relief.