Sex triggers endorphins that provide temporary relief from respiratory symptoms. Sexual arousal may help relieve stuffy nose through blood vessel constriction. No evidence supports sex's ability to cure or shorten respiratory infections
Pathogens are tiny organisms that cause diseases in the body. Main types include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Not all pathogens are harmful, some help the body
Infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms that impair health. Vaccines can prevent infections without causing clinical illness. Skin and mucous membranes are main barriers to infection. Humans are constantly exposed to infectious organisms in environment
URTI affects nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx or trachea. 17.2 billion cases occurred in 2015, down from 4,000 in 1990. Most infections are viral, some bacterial, less common fungal or helminthic
Influenza B virus is the only species in Betainfluenzavirus genus. Infects humans, ferrets, pigs, and seals. Mutates 2-3 times slower than influenza A virus. Has 500 surface projections made of hemagglutinin and neuraminidase
Computer viruses replicate by modifying other programs and inserting their own code. Viruses require a host program to execute, while worms can run independently. Viruses can infect executables, data files, or boot sectors