How do you catch a cold
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How to Catch a Cold: Key Factors and Prevention
Catching a cold is a common experience that can disrupt daily life. Understanding the factors that contribute to catching a cold and how to prevent it can help mitigate its impact.
Insufficient Sleep and Increased Cold Risk
One of the most significant factors that can increase the risk of catching a cold is insufficient sleep. Research has shown that individuals who sleep less than 6 hours per night are at a four-fold higher risk of developing a cold compared to those who sleep more than 7 hours per night1. This finding is supported by studies that used objective measures of sleep behavior and controlled for other variables by quarantining participants after exposure to a cold-inducing virus1. Additionally, self-reported short sleep duration has been associated with an elevated risk of respiratory infections, including pneumonia1.
Symptomatic Treatments for the Common Cold
While there is no cure for the common cold, several treatments can alleviate its symptoms. First-generation antihistamines, anticholinergics, and alpha agonists are effective in reducing rhinorrhea (runny nose) and sneezing, although they have minimal effects on other symptoms2. Over-the-counter cold treatments are generally effective only in adults and adolescents, and antiviral drugs like interferon alfa-2b are only effective if taken before symptoms develop2. Zinc has shown potential in reducing the duration and intensity of cold symptoms, but a safe and effective dose has not yet been established2.
Challenges in Developing Vaccines
Developing vaccines for the common cold has proven difficult due to the antigenic variability of the viruses that cause it. A review of randomized controlled trials found no significant difference in cold incidence between participants who received an adenovirus vaccine and those who received a placebo3. The study concluded that there is a lack of evidence to support the use of vaccines for preventing the common cold in healthy people, highlighting the need for well-designed trials to investigate this further3.
Conclusion
Catching a cold is influenced by several factors, with insufficient sleep being a major contributor. While symptomatic treatments can provide relief, there is currently no cure or effective vaccine for the common cold. Prioritizing sufficient sleep and using over-the-counter treatments can help manage and reduce the risk of catching a cold.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Sleep, Don't Sneeze: Longer Sleep Reduces the Risk of Catching a Cold.
Longer sleep reduces the risk of catching a cold, with individuals who sleep more than 7 hours per night having a 4-fold higher risk of developing a cold.
Very Rigorous JournalTreatment of the common cold
Alleviation of symptoms remains the only proven treatment for the common cold, with first-generation antihistamines, anticholinergics, and agonists effectively reducing rhinorrhea and sneezing but minimal effects on other symptoms.
Systematic ReviewVaccines for the common cold
There is no conclusive evidence to support the use of vaccines for preventing the common cold in healthy people, and future trials are needed to establish the trade-off between potential benefits and harms.
Systematic ReviewVery Rigorous JournalVaccines for the common cold
This update found no new randomized controlled trials for preventing common colds in healthy people, and the review included one 1965 study with a high overall rating.
Systematic ReviewVery Rigorous JournalUnderstanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza
New knowledge of cytokines helps explain some previously folkloric symptoms of colds and flu, improving our understanding of their mechanisms.
Highly CitedTreatment of the common cold in children and adults.
Common cold treatment focuses on symptom relief, with some medications and herbal preparations being effective for adults.
Highly CitedTraditional Chinese Medicine for the Common Cold: Evidence and Potential Mechanisms.
TCM is effective and safe for treating colds, with potential therapeutic effects in preventing colds and treating their sequelae.
Systematic ReviewWhat treatments are effective for common cold in adults and children?
Decongestants, antihistamines, and analgesics show limited effectiveness in relieving nasal symptoms in adults, while herbal remedies and vitamins show mixed results.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalTreatment of the Common Cold.
Common cold treatments include over-the-counter analgesics, zinc, nasal decongestants, and ipratropium for adults, and acetylcysteine, honey, and topical ointments for children.
Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, and Treatment of the Common Cold
Current treatments for common colds have limited efficacy against specific symptoms, with inflammation playing a key role in the illness' pathogenesis.
Systematic ReviewHighly Cited