Would the common cold die out if we all stayed at home?

It often seems like the common cold is unavoidable, but would global quarantine work at wiping out this viral infection?

Luis Villazon

Asked by: Spencer Warhurst, by email

Yes, global quarantine would work in theory, but if just one person evaded it, the disease would be free to spread again.

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Luis Villazon

Q&A expert

Luis trained as a zoologist, but now works as a science and technology educator. In his spare time he builds 3D-printed robots, in the hope that he will be spared when the revolution inevitably comes.

Would the common cold die out if we all stayed at home?

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