Common Cold Unit

Common Cold
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever
Complications	Sinusitis, ear infections
Onset	N/A
Duration	7 to 10 days
Types	N/A
Causes	Rhinovirus, coronavirus, others
Risks	Close contact, cold weather
Diagnosis	N/A
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	Hand washing, avoiding close contact
Treatment	Rest, hydration, over-the-counter medication
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	N/A
Deaths	N/A

The Common Cold Unit was a research establishment in the United Kingdom that operated from 1946 to 1989. It was dedicated to the study of the common cold, a viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract.

History

The Common Cold Unit was established by the Medical Research Council and was located in Salisbury, Wiltshire. The unit was instrumental in advancing the understanding of the pathophysiology of the common cold and in testing potential treatments and vaccines.

Research

The unit conducted numerous studies on the transmission and prevention of the common cold. Volunteers were often recruited to participate in controlled experiments where they were exposed to the rhinovirus under various conditions. These studies helped to identify the role of hand hygiene and environmental factors in the spread of the virus.

Contributions

The research conducted at the Common Cold Unit contributed significantly to the understanding of viral infections and immune response. It also laid the groundwork for the development of antiviral drugs and vaccination strategies.

Closure

The unit was closed in 1989 due to a shift in research priorities and funding. However, its legacy continues to influence current research in virology and infectious diseases.

See also

• Rhinovirus
• Viral infection
• Medical Research Council

External links

• Medical Research Council