Risk Factors for Frequent Colds
There are certain risk groups that are more likely to get a cold:
§ Kids, especially those attending day care places or those with smoking parents (infant colds risk)
§ People with a weak immune system because of HIV, AIDS or cancer, as well as those taking certain kinds of medication
§ Smokers or passive smokers
§ People under constant stress
Viruses – rhinoviruses, coronaviruses and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are the most common causes of frequent colds. Most colds are caused by the rhinovirus group (10% to 40%), while RSV and coronaviruses are responsible for 10% and 20%, respectively.
Rhinoviruses Causes
Rhinoviruses cause colds most often, and the period of their maximum activity is early autumn, spring and even summer. There are over 110 types of the virus, and it’s known that the best environmental condition for the growth of the virus is 91 degrees, which is the temperature inside the nose. It’s rare for rhinoviruses to cause any serious consequences, while the respiratory syncytial virus and parainfluenza can cause lower respiratory infections; young children are especially susceptible.
Coronaviruses
Coronavirises are also responsible for frequent colds in adults; the period of their greatest activity is winter and early spring. There are over 30 types of this virus, and only four of them are likely to infect humans. It’s difficult to determine how important coronavirus is in the occurrence of colds as it’s incredibly difficult to grow it in a lab.
The common colds can also be caused by the following factors.
From 10% to 15% of all the colds that occur in adults have to do with viruses typical for more serious respiratory diseases.
It’s surprising but it’s a fact: over 35% of all colds found in adults are not identified, which means the doctors are not sure why they started in the first place. It’s difficult to identify the exact cause of certain colds in children as sometimes it’s a combination of reasons rather than just one.
No proof has been received that infants get colds just because they are exposed to bad weather, become wet or overheated.
Connection between the Common Colds, Stress and Allergies
It’s not known for sure whether the probability of getting a cold depends on or is in some way related to your diet, enlarged tonsils or exercise. However, most scientists agree that when you are overstressed and your nose or throat are affected by an allergic disease, it can contribute to the probability of getting infected and going down with a cold.
Preventive Measures
It’s almost impossible to avoid getting a cold once you are exposed to it, and all the remedies for colds relieve only its symptoms, but there are still a few things you can do to boost your immune system and make it less vulnerable to colds:
§ Wash your hands thoroughly, especially after coming back home.
§ Get plenty of exercise.
§ Reconsider your diet: make sure it’s well-balanced and rich in vitamins.
§ Get enough rest, especially sleep.
§ Use relaxation techniques to kick off stress, such as yoga or meditation.
And remember: although there is no cure for colds, there are many things that lie within your power.
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