They’re everywhere. They’re on every surface, in every crevice, and diffused into the surrounding air. Being disgusting, good-for-nothing nuisances, germs make everybody utterly miserable for at least a week.

Everyone knows the feeling of waking up and having slight discomfort in your throat. As the day progresses, the sensation becomes worse. Plus, more symptoms are added to the mix, such as a runny nose, a headache, coughing, and my personal favorite, an occasional ear or sinus infection. At this point, a doctor’s appointment has to be made in order to receive a heavenly antibiotic to make the pain go away.

Not only are colds a pain physically, but they get in the way of everyday activities that would not be a problem under any regular circumstances. That AP Biology unit test first period on Friday? Good luck trying to study when the uncontrollable coughing is terminating your ability to breathe. Supposed to hang out with friends Saturday evening? That’s not gonna to happen because you will be spending most of your time by the nearest tissue box. It is best to stay home and get rest because nobody wants to be around someone hacking up their lungs.

The cons to catching a cold are plentiful. However, the seven to 10 days of torture provide many with the optimistic view of the healthy days to come. Recalling the days when one doesn’t have to keep a tissue box and cough drops attached to their hip are the days that keep a cold-infected person positive.