The common cold is one of the most commonly contracted diseases the world over, and the irritation it causes can be quite unbearable. Knowledge about its incubation period can ease some fears and doubts about the dreaded virus, and can also help you to recognize the symptoms, in order to know which remedies would be the most suitable for you. The most widely seen symptoms include, a running nose, dryness in the throat, excessive coughing, long headaches, heaviness in the head, flowing of mucus, and even the onset of fever. All these factors leave an individual reeling in discomfort and cursing the forces of nature that caused this unwanted annoyance. In the midst of all this, knowing what is incubation period for cold and flu can make life a little easier. How Long is the Incubation Period for Common Cold? It is impossible to know the entire truth, but it is widely believed that colds are caused primarily by being exposed to a chill. A sudden exposure to low temperatures is the widely accepted reason behind contracting the virus. There were a few tests carried out by scientists recently, on guinea pigs, that showed, that being exposed to a chill is the catalyst for contracting a cold. However, according to Professor Raina MacIntyre (Head of the School of Public Health and Community Medicine at the University of New South Wales and the Professor of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology), the fact is that, chills do not cause common cold, as cold is caused by numerous types of viruses. Moreover, the relation between cold weather and common cold exists only because the chances of virus transmission are much higher in winter. The virus may be lodged in our mucous membranes for quite a while, but for it to break out and cause us a cold, direct exposure to a chill will be required. Facts are often heard and read by us, however, to trust them completely would be foolhardy. How do Common Colds Spread? It is widely believed that it spreads by being around people coughing or sneezing. The truth of the matter is that, this is rarely spread by air-borne particles. Only direct contact with an infected person can cause you to contract the virus. Once a person has the virus on his skin, it makes its way to the back of the throat. Once it reaches there, it sticks to the cells inside, and starts reproducing. After a while, these minute organisms begin rupturing and spreading to all other parts of the body. This is why, when you go to a doctor for treatment, he first examines your throat. The entire process takes about 8 to 12 hours on an average. So, you could realistically say that the incubation period is around 8 to 12 hours. This means that within 8 to 12 hours of coming into direct physical contact with an infected person, you can also contract the disease. However, in many cases, the incubation period can also last from anywhere between 36 to 48 hours. The worst stage occurs on the 3rd or the 4th day. Reasons for Difference The primary reason why there are a few differences in the estimated incubation period is the range and variety of viruses that cause the illness in the first place. Even the symptoms they show are similar in nature, but the effect that they actually have on different people may vary. Because of the similar nature of the symptoms, the cures that are available are similar in nature. The immune system of a person also determines the time of incubation in them. Some even claim that it is the immune system that causes the symptoms to erupt, and not the virus. High temperature and fever is also a method by which the body combats the presence of the virus in the body. Some viruses do not restrict themselves to the nose and the throat, and even attack other parts of the body, like, the lungs and the stomach. Building the immune system can greatly aid in fighting off this condition.