Question

Which of the statements listed below is true about the common cold?
(a) Common cold is not contagious.
(b) Common cold virus does not have its own RNA.
(c) Common cold usually takes two months to clear up.
(d) Common cold viruses can leave the body through the mucus of infected people.

Answer 1

Hint Common cold is one of the common diseases occurring in humans. It is caused by a virus called Rhinovirus. The body part which is affected due to common cold is the nose and respiratory passage. On average, a person gets cold three-four times in a year. Children usually get frequent colds.

Complete answer
Common cold is a viral disease which spreads through the mucus of infected people. When an infected person sneezes, the droplets transmit to other persons and objects. When a healthy person comes in contact with these contaminated objects or inhales droplets, he also gets infected. Thus, the common cold is a highly contagious disease. Hence, option (A) is incorrect.
Rhino viruses can easily proliferate in the nose because our nose has optimum temperature for its proliferation. The virus which causes the disease has its own RNA. Hence, option (B) is incorrect.
The infected person shows symptoms like nasal discharge, congestion, cough, headache, scratchy throat, sneeze etc. These symptoms usually last for 4-7 days. Hence, option (C) is incorrect.
The disease occurs more in persons having weak immune systems. There is no vaccine available for the common cold but it is not a deadly disease. The virus can leave the body through nasal discharge and mucus of infected people.

Thus the answer of the above question is option (D).
This is because the common cold is a highly contagious disease which is caused by a virus having its own RNA. The virus can leave the body through mucus and usually lasts for a maximum one week.

Note: The people infected with common cold usually do not need medical attention. But, it can be prevented by adopting some good habits like washing your hands for at least 20 seconds, always covering your mouth with tissues while sneezing, staying away from infected people, and not touching your mouth, nose and eyes without washing hands.