WITH so many SARS cases all round the world, one of the most frightening experiences for me last week was to get a fever, cough and runny nose. I went to my GP, who told me I had the common cold. Despite having had it many times in the past, I have never really understood what it is. 

The common cold is a very common viral infection that occurs in your nose. Sometimes it can also involve your sinuses, ears and bronchial tubes (air passages leading to your lungs).