The common cold virus enter to the nose through contaminated fingers or droplets from cough or sneeze. Only a small amount of virus (1-30) are needed for infection to happen. The virus is transported to the back of the nose by the nose itself.
The virus attaches to the ICAM-1 receptor located on the surface of the nasal cell. The receptor fits the surface of the virus. After being attached to the receptor, the virus enters the cell and the infection starts. The virus reproduces(multiplies) inside the infected cell. The cell eventually dies and ruptures, releasing streams of viruses which infext other cells.The process is then repeated.
Cold symptoms usually appear after 10 to 12 hours. Cold symptoms are mainly due to the body response to the infection.
©Common Cold Squad Last updated on: 25 March 2008