More than 200 different viruses can cause colds. Some symptoms of a cold include sneezing, runny nose, cough, sore throat, headache, nasal congestion, and fever.

Colds are easily passed on to others, especially within homes, classrooms, and workplaces. For you to become infected, the virus has to get to one of your mucous membranes — the moist lining of your nostrils, eyes, or mouth. That happens when you touch a surface or breathe in moist air that contains the cold virus.

The difference between a cold and the flu is that you are more likely to have a fever and chills with the flu, it also causes body aches and more severe symptoms than a cold.

Although both the cold and flu can lead to complications, adults catch two to three colds a year, while young children come down with a cold four or more times a year.

In Ayurveda, this condition is called Pratishyaya. All three doshas are responsible for the common cold. In the case of common colds due to Vata dosha, dry cough, mucus discharge, and a runny nose are common symptoms.

People with pitta dosha who have a common cold are likely to experience a sore throat, fever, and nasal blockage. For people with Kapha dosha, common colds are characterized by thick mucus discharge, headaches, and head heaviness.