A short history of the common cold -- Mechanisms of symptoms of common cold and flu -- Common respiratory infections diagnosed in general practice -- Epidemiology -- The role of viruses in the etiology and pathogenesis of common cold -- Etiology of the common cold: Modulating factors -- Host defenses -- Transmission of colds -- Interventions to prevent transmission of the common cold -- Antivirals for the common cold -- Antibiotic use for common cold -- Over the counter medicines for colds -- Vitamins and minerals -- Herbal, traditional and alternative remedies. The common cold is unlike any other human disease. It seems impossible to defeat and affects all of us on a regular basis. Due to the large number of viruses causing colds any specific cure is a major challenge. This unique book brings together a wide range of topics, from our ancestors' views about disease, followed by the questions why and how we sneeze, cough and get a runny nose, to the intricacies of host-virus interactions and immunological phenomena on the molecular level. Popular treatments, "over the counter" medicines and interventions are reviewed. Finally recent developments and new treatment options are highlighted.