HOUSTON -- A cough may not just be a cough this season, KPRC Local 2 reported Friday.

The Centers for Disease said a new form of the common cold has killed 10 people in four states, including Texas.

Dr. Joe Anzaldua of Sugar Land said its severity is caused by a mysterious mutation.

"This AD14 adenovirus has been around since 1955, but in the last year and a half, it mutated to a more lethal form," said Anzaldua.

Earlier this year, experts believe the virus caused hundreds to get sick at Lackland Airforce Base in San Antonio. Nineteen-year-old trainee Paige Renee Villers died.

There's no scientific explanation for why the virus pops up in certain areas, which means it could happen in Houston, or anywhere.

The symptoms are like any other cold, except doctors said they get continually worse.

They said this virus can kill a person in as little as three days, and it can affect anyone of any age.

There are some common-sense things you can do to help prevent the virus, like washing your hands or using hand sanitizer.

Pharmacist Martha Tran said you can take vitamins to boost your immune system, but the first step in fighting this virus is knowing it's out there.