Why is this common acute respiratory ilness called a cold, when really, it is caused by a virus?

zbeckabee

It is perhaps the case that "cold" refers to a "cold condition;" i.e., the hot, cold, dry, and wet "conditions" described by the ancient Anatolian physician Galen. Colds are somewhat more common in winter since during that time of the year people spend more time indoors in close proximity to others, and natural ventilation is generally less prevalent in cold weather, which increases the infection risk. Moreover, if cold weather is directly linked to the spread of the common cold, then it would be easy to prove by comparing the infection rates of people who live in colder climates (such as Iceland or Greenland) with people who live in warmer climates (such as countries close to the equator). Studies have shown no significant increase in infection rates in people who live in colder climates. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_cold Jul 11 06, 7:07 AM