Common Cold Research

Doctors and scientists performing common cold research have discovered more about the rhinovirus -- one of the most common causes of colds -- than almost any other virus. Current common cold research includes studies examining how viruses are transmitted and the effect of aspirin on colds.

 

Common Cold Research: An Overview

Thanks to basic common cold research, scientists know more about the rhinovirus than almost any other virus, and have powerful new tools for developing antiviral drugs. Although the common cold may never be uncommon, further common cold research studies offer the hope of reducing common cold symptoms.
 

Common Cold Research: Current Areas of Focus

Doctors and scientists are conducting common cold research. Some current areas of common cold research include:
 
  • Research on rhinovirus transmission
  • Aspirin and its impact.
     
Much of the research on the transmission of the common cold has been done with rhinoviruses, which are shed in the highest concentration in nasal secretions. Common cold research studies suggest a person is most likely to transmit rhinoviruses in the second to fourth day of infection, when the amount of virus in nasal secretions is highest.
 
Common cold research scientists also have shown that using aspirin to treat colds increases the amount of virus in nasal secretions, possibly making the cold sufferer more of a hazard to others.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD