A Mathematical Model for the Dynamics of Rhinopharyngitis in a Population

This paper considered a deterministic SIR model to investigate the transmission dynamics of common cold within a population. This study was based on the assumption that every individual in the population is susceptible to the common cold. The steady states of the model were calculated and the local and global asymptotic stability analyzed. The basic reproduction number R0 was determined. The disease becomes endemic whenever R0>1 and dies out whenever R0<1. Simulations of the model were performed. It was found that the transmission rate is most sensitive to the disease; any attempt to reduce the transmission rate is marked by a reduction in the number of infectious individuals.