$Unique_ID{BRK00949}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{How is it Possible to Continue to Have Colds Year After Year?}
$Subject{common cold colds immunity virus viruses viral infection Infections
nose throat sinuses sinus Respiratory rhinoviruses adenoviruses parainfluenzae
coronaviruses spread direct contact}
$Volume{A-6}
$Log{
Symptoms of the Common Cold*0008502.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


How is it Possible to Continue to Have Colds Year After Year?


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QUESTION:  I know I catch a cold more than once in a year, probably closer to
three or four attacks.  I always thought that when you had an infectious
disease that your system built up an immunity to the bug.  How is it possible
then to continue to have these colds year after year?  It seems I should be
immune to them by now.  Can you clear up this mystery?

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ANSWER:  I'll try, and think the statistics will amaze you.  You're right
about building up an immunity, and you would probably be way ahead by now if
the common cold was caused by a single virus, or "bug" as you will have it.
There are probably more than 200 different viruses that cause the symptoms of
the cold, many of them rhinoviruses ("rhino" from the Greek word "rhis"
meaning "nose").  Other viruses, such as some 35 adenoviruses, 5
parainfluenzae viruses and three or more coronaviruses, also play a role in
bringing you your yearly quota of colds.  Actually children and young adults
average about 6 colds per year, but once you pass 30, your body has assembled
a collection of immune responses that help keep the numbers of colds per year
reduced.  However, as we get into very old age, the systems seems to forget,
and doesn't "recognize" the invading viruses, and cold frequency mounts once
again.  Cold symptoms from viral infections are generally over within a week
to 10 days time, usually do not cause a fever, and may be accompanied by a
sore throat and a generalized malaise.  When the sneezing and runny nose lasts
for a longer period, it's time to consider an allergy as the cause.  Although
in the past, the spread of the cold was attributed to sneezing, and the
presence of the virus in the tiny water droplets left hanging in the air after
a sneeze, present thinking is that the spread of the virus takes place by
direct contact, shaking hands for example.  A family can do a great deal to
prevent the spread of the infection from one person to the other by a regular
routine of frequent and rigorous hand washing.  Since crowding can contribute
to the spread of the virus, its a good idea to stay out of crowds when the
cold season is in sway, if that is at all possible.  However that bit of
advice does not apply to the youngsters who might make that the excuse to skip
school.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.