Why Can We Get A Cold?

Several factors can influence the onset of colds. However, usually it is a viral infection. Who can be affected by this infection? What are its symptoms? We tell you everything in this article.

The common cold is one of the most common pathologies in our environment. In fact, it is one of the most frequent reasons for consulting a general practitioner and also one of the reasons for absenteeism from work and school. However, do we know why we have a cold?

In every place and every culture, there are different beliefs about why we catch a cold. So much so that, for example, in much of France, it is believed that a cold is almost entirely associated with having caught a cold at some time before.

Interestingly, there are Egyptian texts dating back to 1500 BC that already described the common cold. Today, thanks to the progress of medicine, we can affirm what are its real causes and define in a concrete way what happens during the common cold in our body.

So in this article, we explain why we catch a cold and everything you need to know about it. In this way, we can leave behind the cultural myths about this condition, which affects virtually everyone at some point in their lives.

Why do we catch a cold?

A cold, in fact, is an infection with a virus. It is one of the most common illnesses and is usually caused by rhinoviruses and coronaviruses. It is a self-limiting state that usually lasts no more than 10 days.

It is important to stress that we do not catch a cold by catching a cold. While it is true that cold and winter are linked to more colds, this is not the reason. It should be clear that it is a viral infection.

Colds affect people of all ages. They are very contagious viruses that are easily spread. The most common symptoms of this infection are sneezing and nasal congestion. Other common symptoms are:

• Watery eyes and a runny nose
• Headache or throat pain
• Fatigue and feeling sick
• Mucus in the throat or chest

When we have a cold, the virus that caused it can spread through our bodies in a number of ways. By sneezing, coughing or talking, we make it easier for the virus to spread to the environment or to someone else.

The same is true when we share things or touch someone who has a cold. This is another reason why the common cold has always been associated with catching a cold. People, when it is cold, tend to take refuge in hot places where there are many people, which promotes contagion.

What are the risk factors for the common cold?

The fact that it is a viral infection does not exclude that certain factors make it easier for us to catch a cold. This is where we include the fact that we have caught a cold or that it is winter.

First of all, we need to understand that although we catch a cold more often in the winter, it can happen at any time of the year. The same goes for age; anyone can catch a cold.

However, the incidence in children under 6 is much higher. This is due to the fact that hygiene measures at this age are not very careful and, above all, the contact between children is much more important at play or at school.

Another risk factor that we suffer from more often is a weak immune system. Having a recent illness or having a chronic illness has a big influence.

Our immune system depends on many elements and substances and is therefore exposed to many changes and deficits which can weaken it. For example, not sleeping well or having a vitamin C deficiency.

Tobacco smoke has also been shown to be more susceptible to colds. Both active and passive smokers have a greater tendency to catch a cold. This is because smoke damages the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and facilitates the entry of the virus into our body.

In conclusion

You get colds from a viral infection, which can be from different families. It is important to understand that the cold or the winter are factors that facilitate this phenomenon, but which are not the cause of colds.