Everyone knows the symptoms: chills, runny nose, scratchy throat, cough, and a general feeling of unease.

The common cold affects almost everyone from time to time. It is considered one of the most prevalent ailments known to man, and it causes millions of missed days of work and school in the United States every year.

With the winter months approaching, the incident of the illness will rise and many people will find themselves dealing with the disease.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the cause of the common cold is a virus. Although there are over 200 viruses known to cause the common cold, the most common is the Rhinovirus.

Although some believe that the common cold can be contracted from exposure to cold weather or from exposure to extremes of heat and cold, there is little or no medical evidence that suggests that this is the case.

The virus is most commonly transmitted by tiny droplets that become airborne when someone who has the cold sneezes, coughs, or simply talks. It also can be spread through hand to hand contact as well as by sharing silverware, toys, or telephones with an infected person.

The virus remains on the surface of such items and is transferred by touch to the eyes, nose, or mouth to transmit the illness to another person.

Researchers believe that cold weather plays a factor, but in a different manner.

Experts believe that cold weather causes many people to spend more time indoors within close and extended proximity to an infected person. This facilitates the spread of the virus.

Doctors advise that to avoid catching the cold, people should wash their hands frequently and to refrain from sharing utensils and other personal items.

If you get the cold, there are a number of over-the-counter remedies that have been proven to be effective for the treatment of the illness. A pharmacist or other health care professional can be a good source of advice on which treatment to use.

Brett Robinson, a physician with Salem Family Medicine, said that zinc-containing lozenges have been shown to reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms in some studies.

He also stated that over-the-counter cold medicines should never be given to children under 6 years of age and that antibiotics are not recommended either.

“It is caused by a virus so you get it from people who have it,” he said. “This is also why antibiotics do not help and can create stronger bugs. They should never be used when the only illness is the common cold.”

Robinson advises, however, that if more severe symptoms, such as severe headache, shaking chills, difficulty breathing, chest pain or nausea or vomiting, occur it is recommended to consult a physician or other qualified healthcare provider immediately.