$Unique_ID{BRK01260}
$Pretitle{Infections or Parasites}
$Title{If You Get Caught in the Cold, You Get a Cold, Right?}
$Subject{cold exposure virus}
$Volume{A-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


If You Get Caught in the Cold, You Get a Cold, Right?


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QUESTION:  If you get caught in the cold, you get a cold, right?  Help me win
two tickets to the ball game on this one.

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ANSWER:  Sorry, no tickets, you are wrong.  There is no medical evidence to
show that cold or wet weather either causes a cold or aggravates one you
already have.  If that idea were correct, Alaskans would have constant colds
and Floridians wouldn't get them at all (well, almost never!).
     Colds are caused by tiny organisms called viruses and they have nothing
to do with the weather.  You catch a cold by either coming into contact with
someone who has a cold or by touching a surface that is infected with cold
viruses.  Cold viruses can survive for several hours on hands, objects, or in
cloth handkerchiefs, and are probably spread most often by direct contact,
such as touching a contaminated surface.  Many people think sneezing and
coughing spreads the virus, but since the mucus spray they produce carries
little virus, this is unlikely.
     The best way to prevent the spread of colds is to wash your hands
frequently if you've been exposed to someone with a cold.  If you catch a
cold, then all those simple rules become quite useful.  Get plenty of rest and
stay comfortable, and drink plenty of nonalcoholic fluids.

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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.
