New York Nail Technician License Practice Test

What type of infection is the common cold classified as?

1. Bacterial

2. Fungal

3. Viral

4. Parasitic

The correct answer is: Viral

The common cold is classified as a viral infection because it is caused by viruses, primarily rhinoviruses, although other viruses such as coronaviruses and adenoviruses can also be responsible. Viral infections are characterized by their ability to infect host cells and replicate within them, which distinguishes them from bacterial infections that are caused by bacteria, fungal infections that result from fungi, and parasitic infections that involve parasites. Understanding the viral nature of the common cold is important for treatment, as antiviral medications may not be effective, and antibiotics, which target bacterial infections, are unsuitable for treating viral infections. This distinction helps guide proper care and management of symptoms associated with the common cold, promoting better health outcomes.