Many different types of viruses are able to cause the common cold. However, rhinovirus is the most common cause. A cold virus will enter the body through your eyes, nose, or mouth. The virus will then spread through droplets in the air when someone who is infected becomes sick and either talks, sneezes, or coughs near others.   It can also be spread by hand-to-hand contact from someone who is infected with the virus by sharing contaminated objects. This includes towels, eating utensils, telephones, or toys. If you touch these highly contaminated objects, then touch your nose, mouth, or eyes, you are more likely to catch a cold.   There are different risks that will increase your chance of catching the virus for the common cold, including:   • Age Babies and young children are at the highest risk of colds, particularly if they spend a great deal of time in childcare settings.   • Weakened immune system If you have a chronic illness or have a weakened immune system, you are at a higher risk of catching a common cold.   • Time of the year Both children and adults are at an equal risk of catching the cold virus in the cooler months like fall and winter. However, you can catch the virus cold any time of year.   • Smoking If you are a smoker or you are around second-hand smoke a lot, you are more likely to catch the virus that causes the common cold and even have more severe cold symptoms.   • Exposure to the virus Exposure to large crowds, including an airplane or school, will bring a higher risk of being exposed to the virus that causes the common cold.