Understanding Colds: Facts & Treatment Options

There is no scientific evidence that shorting-circuiting a cold is possible, so this is a myth.

A cold, or the common cold, is a viral infectious disease of the nose and throat. It is caused by a type of virus called a rhinovirus. There is no cure for the common cold, but its symptoms, such as a runny nose, sore throat, and cough, can be treated with over-the-counter medications.