$Unique_ID{BRK01373}
$Pretitle{Infections or Parasites, Respiratory System}
$Title{Does the Body Ever Develop Some Type of Immunity to the Cold Bug?}
$Subject{colds virus immunity}
$Volume{A-6, H-6}
$Log{
The Common Cold*0008501.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Does the Body Ever Develop Some Type of Immunity to the Cold Bug?


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QUESTION:  With the change of seasons with us, I know I will be heading for
the time of year in which I get one dreaded cold after another.  Doesn't the
body ever develop some type of immunity to the darned bug?  There must be some
way to avoid the nuisance of a runny nose that won't stop and the problems
that go with a cold.  Provide your readers with an answer to this question and
you will be doing them a true service.

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ANSWER:  If it were but a single virus that caused the common cold, we might
all soon develop the immunity necessary to prevent it from recurring.  The
problem is that there are over 200 different viruses, more than half of which
are rhinoviruses ("rhino" from the Greek word meaning "nose") all capable of
producing the symptoms which we diagnose as resulting from the "common cold".
So it is highly likely that each new cold you develop comes from an infection
with another virus.  And despite continuing research, the prevention of these
episodes is not likely to be developed for quite some time.  However you might
want to incorporate a few simple precautions in your own life that may help
you avoid at least some of your infections.  Simply stated, the best way to
prevent a cold is to stay away from people that have them.  And that includes
youngsters, who seem to have colds more frequently than adults.  Since the
virus is transmitted by touching, avoid touching objects that may have been
contaminated by someone with a cold.  Washing your hands carefully with soap
and water during the cold season will certainly help.  Keeping your hands and
fingers away from your eyes and nose is another method of avoiding the
transmission of the virus to your system.  Keep physical and emotional stress
to a minimum.  It's clear your genes are of no help, for it has been reported
that as much as 5 percent of the population never get a cold, a situation
attributed to a greater immunity conferred upon them by their ancestors.  When
a cold does strike, the advice of plenty of liquids, rest, and the use of
antihistamines and decongestants to control the symptoms, ibuprofen,
acetaminophen or aspirin (for adults) to control the aches is still valid in
the absence of any true cure.
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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.
