You wake up in the morning and the signs are all too familiar -- fever, chills, runny nose, sore throat, and chest congestion. Yes, you have caught the dreaded common cold. It seems as though you just recovered from it. So why are you sick again you ask?

What is referred to as the common cold is actually a group of different strains of the rhinovirus. After contracting one strain, you will become immune to that particular one for two years. Unfortunately, there are over 200 different viruses which cause the cold. It is quite possible to have a cold year round!

The cold virus is spread through either breathing in the particles (from droplets in the air left by an infected person by coughing or sneezing), or touching a person or surface which has been exposed. After a 3 to 10 day incubation period, symptoms begin to appear. Since antibiotics will not help cure the common cold, it must run its course, usually taking a week to ten days for full recovery. Bed rest, plenty of fluids, and sleep will help a person with the cold.

The best steps to take in preventing a cold can be found in simple hygiene and etiquette. Washing your hands frequently and covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing are the easiest front-line defenses in preventing the annoyance and misery of a common cold.