When virus-infected cells spread, they can cause various illnesses. Scientists have counted more than 200 different kinds of cold viruses. C. Types A and B are the most common. The fact that there are so many kinds of cold viruses helps explain why colds are much more common than the flu. You re 10 times more likely to catch a cold than the flu.
People can catch colds at any time of the year.
But the flu is only common from late October through April. Cold and flu viruses move from person to person. The virus is contained in the fluids of the eyes, nose, and throat of the person with a cold or the flu. If the sick person coughs or sneezes , tiny drops of the fluid are sprayed out. If this fluid catches you in the face, the virus can move to your own mouth, nose, eyes.