Viral throat infection. Computer artwork of several tracheae (windpipes), seen from the outside, with viruses (spiky balls, not to scale). The common cold is a viral infection that attacks the throat and other areas of the respiratory tract. Symptoms include fluid discharge from inflamed mucous membranes. There is no cure, but the symptoms, such as a sore throat, can be treated. The white structures seen here are the bands of cartilage that prevent the windpipe from collapsing.