DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sajb.2026.v14i10.001

Pages: 654-657

The common cold is a contagious viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract including the nose, throat, sinuses, and windpipe. The common cold and other acute upper respiratory infections (ARIs) represent one of the largest sources of outpatient illness in India, driven by a combination of high population density, seasonal climate variation, indoor air pollution, and viral diversity. This article reviews available epidemiological data on common cold and ARI prevalence in India, covering national surveys, regional hospital-based studies, viral etiology, risk factors, and healthcare-seeking behavior, drawing on peer-reviewed and government sources.