The common cold

Abstract

We have seen that the common cold causes great economic loss to the country. Some,though not all, of the causative viruses have been isolated and cultured. In particular the rhinso and Coe viruses have been shown to cause typical common colds. Echo 28 and parainfluenza 1 and 3 viruses have been shown to be uncommon aetiological agents and ECHO 20, 11 and the RS viruses cause atypical colds. Immunity developes but the multiplicity of infecting agents precludes the possibility of developing a vaccine. Transmission takes place by small droplets and is facilitated by intimate contact. Two epidemiological patterns are found; in isolated communities the typical picture of an organism entering a community of low resistance; in large communities the pattern of incidence does not resemble that of an infective agent and quite what determines the incidence is uncertain. No satisfactory prophylactic measures have yet been found but it is hoped that non -specific antiviral substances may provide an answer.