Is a cold the same thing as a viral infection?

Yes. Colds are caused by viruses that target the lining of the nose and throat and cause these areas to become inflamed. This triggers the production of mucus, resulting in a runny nose and sneezing.

A virus is microscopic organism that can’t reproduce without a living host. When a virus enters the body, it interacts with some cells and changes how they work. Viruses cause a number of diseases.