Which of the Following Statements is TRUE Regarding the Common

Question

Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the common cold?
A) Only coronaviruses cause the common cold.
B) The viruses can infect both the upper and lower respiratory tracts.
C) Cold viruses reproduce most effectively at 37°C.
D) Cold viruses are frequently spread by contaminated fomites.
E) The immune system cannot develop an effective response to cold viruses.

Accepted Answer

Cold viruses are often spread by touching contaminated objects (fomites) and then touching the eyes, mouth, or nose. This is why proper hand hygiene is important in preventing the spread of colds.

Note: A, B, and C are all false statements. Many different viruses can cause the common cold, it typically only infects the upper respiratory tract, and cold viruses have an optimal replication temperature that is lower than body temperature (around 33-35°C). Statement E is also false; although the immune response to the common cold may not be as effective as with other viruses, the body can still develop some immunity to cold viruses over time.