# Why is it so challenging to treat the common cold?

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/ted-ed-7859430/why-is-it-so-challenging-to-treat-the-common-cold
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/ted-ed-7859430/why-is-it-so-challenging-to-treat-the-common-cold.md
Podcast: [TED-Ed](https://stenobird.com/podcast/ted-ed-7859430)
Published: 2026-06-21T08:30:00+00:00
Episode link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/VG3152602546.mp3
Audio file: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/VG3152602546.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/ted-ed-7859430/episodes/why-is-it-so-challenging-to-treat-the-common-cold
Duration seconds: 422

## Resource

Dig into the two main ways we fight the viruses that cause the common cold, and find out if it’s possible to create a cure. --On average, adults catch more than 150 colds throughout their lives. Even with similar symptoms, the cause could be different each time. Common colds are caused by at least 8 different families of virus, each of which can have its own subtypes. How can so many different viruses cause the same illness? And is a cure even possible? Explore the two main strategies we employ to fight viruses.Directed by Anton Bogaty.This video made possible in collaboration with Gates VenturesLearn more about how TED-Ed partnerships work: https://bit.ly/TEDEdPartnersSupport Our Non-Profit Mission----------------------------------------------Support us on Patreon: http://bit.ly/TEDEdPatreonCheck out our merch: http://bit.ly/TEDEDShop----------------------------------------------Connect With Us----------------------------------------------Sign up for our newsletter: http://bit.ly/TEDEdNewsletterFollow us on Facebook: http://bit.ly/TEDEdFacebookFind us on Twitter: http://bit.ly/TEDEdTwitterPeep us on Instagram: http://bit.ly/TEDEdInstagram----------------------------------------------Keep Learning----------------------------------------------View full lesson: https://ed.ted.com/lessons/why-is-it-so-hard-to-cure-the-common-coldDig deeper with additional resources: https://ed.ted.com/lessons/why-is-it-so-hard-to-cure-the-common-cold#digdeeperAnimator's website: https://antonbogaty.com----------------------------------------------Thank you so much to our patrons for your support! Without you this video would not be possible! Jose Arcadio Valdes Franco, Sebastiaan Vleugels, Karl Laius, JY Kang, Abhishek Goel, Heidi Stolt, Nicole Sund, Karlee Finch, Mario Mejia, Denise A Pi…

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