A cold is an infection in the upper respiratory area. Viruses are the most common causes of colds.
Some people have a loss of their sense of smell or taste, a slight fever, and a cough.
A cold is contagious and is easily spread by contact with someone who has a viral infection. Exposure to the virus usually has taken place 2 to 3 days before the symptoms appear. Most colds last about a week, although this varies from person to person. Colds are one of the most frequent infections in childhood. Most children average 6 colds per year.