The common cold is the most common acute respiratory infection, mostly self-limiting, but the incidence is high, occurring 2 to 4 times a year in adults and more often in children, 6 to 8 times a year. The disease can occur throughout the year, but is more frequent in winter and spring. The disease has an acute onset with an incubation period ranging from 1 to 3 days. The main clinical manifestations are nasal symptoms, such as sneezing, nasal congestion, clear watery nose, but also cough, dry throat, itching or burning sensation, and even postnasal drip. The symptoms of sneezing, nasal congestion and clear watery nose may occur at the same time or a few hours after the onset of the disease. 2 to 3 days later, the nasal discharge becomes thicker, often accompanied by sore throat, lacrimation, loss of taste, breathlessness and hoarseness. There is usually no fever and systemic symptoms, or only low fever, malaise, mild chills, and headache. Clinical diagnosis can be made based on history, epidemiology, nasopharyngeal signs and symptoms, combined with peripheral blood picture and negative chest imaging, and etiologic diagnosis is generally not required. Treatment is mainly symptomatic (e.g. rest, drinking more water, keeping indoor air circulation, taking antipyretic and analgesic drugs) and etiological (e.g. giving antibacterial drugs or antiviral drugs); in addition, Chinese herbs with antipyretic and antiviral effects can be used to help improve symptoms and shorten the course of the disease. Preventive measures include avoiding cold, rain, overexertion, contact with patients with colds, avoiding contact with mouth, eyes and nose with dirty hands, avoiding going in and out of crowded public places; strengthening physical fitness: adhering to moderate and regular outdoor exercise, improving the body’s immunity and cold tolerance is the main method to prevent the disease; for patients with frequent and repeated occurrence of the disease and those with low immunity in old age, immune booster can be applied as appropriate. Influenza vaccination can also be given.