Risk Factors for Getting the Common Cold

Contracting the common cold can be easier for some people than for others. Specific risk factors increase your odds of getting sick with a cold virus. Understanding why these factors can make you sicker can help you avoid them. It could even save you a trip to the urgent care clinic. If you want to know more about the different risk factors for catching a common cold, here are the details.

Second-hand smoke and smoking

Inhaling or smoking tobacco interferes with the mechanism of the immune system. It also increases a person’s risk of contracting the common cold. The harmful chemicals in this substance can irritate the lining of the throat. Smoking while battling a cold can worsen the symptoms as well.

Those inhaling this second-hand smoke are more prone to developing more serious respiratory conditions. An ordinary cold may turn into pneumonia or bronchitis. That is why quitting smoking can be healthy for the smoker and the people around the smoker. An urgent care clinic can suggest many ways to start this effort.

Age

Young children below six years old are more vulnerable to catching a common cold. They still have underdeveloped immune systems. Their resistance to virus strains is still poor. Children love to interact with other kids. Some of them could be carrying cold or even flu viruses.

Playtime is more important to them than washing hands. Covering noses and mouths when sneezing or coughing is not a priority at all. Teaching young kids how to wash hands the right way is a boost in health prevention. Reminding them to avoid sharing anything with others can keep them from getting sick. Showing them the importance of covering noses and mouths when sneezing or coughing will instill this practice.

Mental stress

This can increase a person’s risk of contracting a common cold. It affects the function of cortisol, which is a stress hormone. Cortisol regulates inflammation in the body. A person under tremendous stress has weaker cortisol. This results in a weaker inflammatory reaction to the common cold virus.

Minimizing stress levels can help build up the immune system’s defense. Meditation and deep breathing techniques can help accomplish this. Avoiding stressful people and situations can lower stress as well. Eating healthy foods and avoiding stress-eating can also help strengthen the immune system.

Inadequate sleep

The body needs to repair itself while sleeping at night. A person without enough nighttime sleep is vulnerable to catching the common cold virus and other illnesses. Children need at least 10 hours of good sleep. Teens need about nine to 10 hours of restful sleep. Adults need seven to eight high-quality sleep to maintain strong immunity. Avoiding stimulants like coffee, phones, and television before bed can help create sleep right away.