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Contrary to popular belief, the common cold isn’t caused by cold weather or spending too much time outdoors with wet hair. It’s caused by one of several viruses and is often spread through airborne droplets, like when someone coughs or sneezes.
People are most likely to have colds during the fall and winter, probably because people spend more time indoors during the cooler seasons, and therefore more time in close proximity to others.
Currently, there’s no medicine available to cure or shorten the duration of the common cold — but there are treatments that may help relieve some of your symptoms, as well as ways to help you avoid getting sick in the first place.
In this video, infectious diseases expert Dr. Michaeline McGuinty shares helpful advice to guide you through cold season.
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