It is also thought that cold weather makes the lining of the nasal passages drier and more vulnerable to viral infection. People who are already ill or whose immune system is not working to its full capacity have a greater risk of catching colds than someone who is healthier. You may also be more likely to get a cold if you suffer from stress, or allergies that affect your nose or throat, or if you are female and at a particular stage in your monthly menstrual cycle. A cold virus enters your body through your mouth or nose. A cold is contagious for as long as symptoms last.
Colds begin slowly.
The first symptom may be a sore throat or a headache, followed by sneezing and a runny nose. A mild cough can develop later. Temperature is usually normal or only slightly higher than normal. A cold usually lasts from two to seven days and has few complications. You can t prevent a cold, but you can lower your chances of getting one by common-sense measures.