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Review
. 2003 Jan 4;361(9351):51-9.
doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(03)12162-9.

The common cold

Terho Heikkinen  1 , Asko Järvinen
Affiliations
Review

The common cold

Terho Heikkinen et al. Lancet. .

Abstract

Despite great advances in medicine, the common cold continues to be a great burden on society in terms of human suffering and economic losses. Of the several viruses that cause the disease, the role of rhinoviruses is most prominent. About a quarter of all colds are still without proven cause, and the recent discovery of human metapneumovirus suggests that other viruses could remain undiscovered. Research into the inflammatory mechanisms of the common cold has elucidated the complexity of the virus-host relation. Increasing evidence is also available for the central role of viruses in predisposing to complications. New antivirals for the treatment of colds are being developed, but optimum use of these agents would require rapid detection of the specific virus causing the infection. Although vaccines against many respiratory viruses could also become available, the ultimate prevention of the common cold seems to remain a distant aim.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Timeline of discovery of the common respiratory viruses Transmission electron micrograph of three adenovirus particles shown in background.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Mean annual incidence of respiratory illnesses per person by age group
None
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

  • Comments on the common cold.
    Gaby AR. Gaby AR. Lancet. 2003 Mar 1;361(9359):782; author reply 782. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(03)12636-0. Lancet. 2003. PMID: 12620756 No abstract available.
  • Comments on the common cold.
    Inoue K, Takano H, Yoshikawa T. Inoue K, et al. Lancet. 2003 Mar 1;361(9359):782. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(03)12638-4. Lancet. 2003. PMID: 12620758 No abstract available.
  • Comments on the common cold.
    Stone JP. Stone JP. Lancet. 2003 Mar 1;361(9359):783. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(03)12639-6. Lancet. 2003. PMID: 12620759 No abstract available.

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