Once inside, the virus infects the body by binding to receptor sites on cells lining the nasal passage. Like all viruses it then uses the cell's DNA to replicate. Once the virus has taken over a cell, it releases the newly formed viruses inside the nose where they infect other nasal cells and cause symptoms like a runny nose. If viruses are released into the circulatory system you may get a headache, fever, achy joints and a sore throat. As the virus infects more and more nasal cells, the body's immune system is overwhelmed and a full-blown cold ensues.
Most adults catch between two to four colds a year.
Children may have eight to 12 colds a year. Most colds run their course in 10 to 14 days. There is no cure for the common cold but doctors say a homeopathic nasal gel may be the next best thing. Unlike chicken soup and cold medicines, which treat symptoms, the gel called Zicam treats the cold by delivering ionic zinc to the nasal cavity, the source of the infection. Researchers say the gel fills grooves or canyons on the cold virus making it impossible for the virus to bind to receptor sites on cells inside the nose.