WHAT ARE COLDS AND HOW DO WE GET THEM?
At the end of summer, when that first nip is in the air, it marks the start of cold and flu season. During our lifetime, we can experience an average of 200 colds – that’s five years of coughs, congestion, headaches and sore throats. Caused by viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, the common cold is usually harmless, although it might not feel that way at the time. The most common cold-causing culprits are the rhinovirus family, of which there are around 160 different cold causing ‘serotypes’, making it possible to have several colds one after another. Viral DNA changes frequently, which makes the immune system’s job quite difficult and explains why we tend to get so many throughout our lives. Although you can get a cold anytime, summer viruses tend to be caused by enteroviruses, which prefer warmer climates and tend to be more vicious and lingering. Rhinoviruses prefer cooler climates, which is, in part, why colds are more prevalent in winter. Cooler weather also tends to drive people indoors and therefore reduces vitamin D from sunlight – a key factor in regulating the immune system.