Volunteer for NIAID-funded clinical studies related to the
common cold on ClinicalTrials.gov. Sneezing, scratchy throat,
runny nose—everyone knows the first signs of a cold, probably
the most common illness known. Common colds can be cause by over
200 viruses. Although the common cold is usually mild, with
symptoms lasting 1 to 2 weeks, it is a leading cause of doctor
visits and missed days from school and work in the United
States. According to the Centers for Diseases Control and
Prevention (CDC), 22 million school days are lost annually in
the United States due to the common cold. Last Updated August
17, 2012