If you never get the common cold, you are in rare company. A cold is a sickness that just about everyone will deal with each year. Its seriousness can range widely from minor to severe and everything in between. You may be able to carry on with regular activities, or you may be so sick that you have to stay in bed or seek urgent care. It is helpful to understand more about this and how often it can affect you.
A cold is perhaps the most common illness in the world. It can affect virtually everyone at various times of the year. Viral infections cause colds, with rhinoviruses, coronavirus, and RSV being the most typical viruses. The sicknesses spread through close contact between people. Particles from sneezing and coughing can get into a person’s body and cause the illness.
Several symptoms can accompany the common cold. A runny or stuffy nose is a symptom that usually appears. Congestion and coughing will also often come along with a cold. The person may sneeze frequently as well. Some people get a mild fever or headache when they have a cold. Chills and body aches can also be symptoms.
While it may seem inevitable to get the common cold, there are ways to avoid it. One of the most effective strategies is for the individual to wash their hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. This should occur several times throughout the day, especially after using the restroom. When coughing or sneezing, the person should cover their mouth and nose. Staying away from sick people will also help. It is also a good idea to disinfect contact areas of the house such as tables, counters, and light switches.
Most people will get the common cold at least once a year, but it is possible to get it more often. Adults will get at least two to four colds per year. For children, it is even more common to have colds. Kids will have at least six colds a year but have it up to 10 times. Elderly people may have as few as a single cold each year.
How often a person gets the common cold depends on various issues. As noted, age can play a role. Younger people are more prone because of the close contact with others that kids have at school and daycare. A person with a weak immune system is likely to have several colds a year too. Other issues that can lead to more colds include smoking and being out among large groups of people, especially in the winter and fall.
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While you can avoid the common cold, chances are good that you will contend with it. Count on getting a couple of colds every year. But you can lessen your chances of more colds and more serious bouts of it by washing your hands and keeping your home clean. Pay attention to the symptoms so that you know what you are up against.
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