The common cold is a disease that follows the lytic cycle of viral replication. This cycle is characterized by the infection of a host cell, the takeover of the cell’s machinery to produce new viral particles, and ultimately, the lysis (or breaking open) of the host cell to release these new viruses.
During the lytic cycle, the cold virus (such as rhinovirus) attaches to the surface of a susceptible host cell. Once inside, it hijacks the cellular machinery to replicate its own genetic material. As numerous copies of the virus are made, the host cell eventually becomes overwhelmed and bursts, releasing new viral particles that can go on to infect neighboring cells. This rapid replication and cell destruction contribute to the symptoms of the common cold, such as sore throat, cough, and runny nose, making it a clear example of a disease caused by a virus that follows the lytic cycle.