Its symptoms and treatment are described in the Egyptian Ebers papyrus, the oldest existing medical text, written before the 16th century BCE. The name "cold" came into use in the 16th century, due to the similarity between its symptoms and those of exposure to cold weather.In the United Kingdom, the Common Cold Unit (CCU) was set up by the Medical Research Council in 1946 and it was where the rhinovirus was discovered in 1956. In the 1970s, the CCU demonstrated that treatment with interferon during the incubation phase of rhinovirus infection protects somewhat against the disease, but no practical treatment could be developed. The unit was closed in 1989, two years after it completed research of zinc gluconate lozenges in the prevention and treatment of rhinovirus colds, the only successful treatment in the history of the unit. Research directions
Antivirals have been tested for effectiveness in the common cold; as of 2009, none had been both found effective and licensed for use. There are ongoing trials of the anti-viral drug pleconaril which shows promise against picornaviruses as well as trials of BTA-798. The oral form of pleconaril had safety issues and an aerosol form is being studied. Double-stranded RNA activated caspase oligomerizer (DRACO), a broad-spectrum antiviral therapy, has shown preliminary effectiveness in treating rhinovirus, as well as other infectious viruses.The genomes of all known human rhinovirus strains have been sequenced. Societal impact
The economic impact of the common cold is not well understood in much of the world.
Aquaphor is a brand of over-the-counter (OTC) skin care ointments manufactured by Beiersdorf Inc., an affiliate of Beiersdorf AG. Aquaphor is offered in four product ranges:  There are two skin protectant ointments. Aquaphor Original Ointment, used as a compounding agent  and Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment, sold in mass retail outlets. The other product ranges include: Aquaphor Lip Repair and Lip Repair + Protect SPF 30, and Aquaphor Baby. Aquaphor has been  available in the United States market for over 90 years. In accordance with the Food and Drug Administrations OTC Skin Protectant Monograph  Aquaphor, containing 41 percent petrolatum (or petroleum jelly), the active ingredient, temporarily protects minor cuts, scrapes, and burns; protects and helps relieve chapped or cracked skin and lips; helps protect from the drying effects of wind and cold weather.Aquaphor is used and recommended  by health care professionals for minor post-operative wounds or defects. History
1925: Aquaphor was developed in the Beiersdorf Inc laboratories in the USA. It was trademarked that year by Herman A. Metz, president of Beiersdorf Inc at that time. 1929: Beiersdorf sold Aquaphor’s trade marks to Duke Laboratories in order to manufacture products in the country.1936: Aquaphor’s first product offering was sold to doctors, pharmacists and hospitals in 5 lb. containers. 1960: Aquaphor production was discontinued during World War II and restarted by Duke Laboratiories in 1960.