Why colds affect people differently
Have you ever noticed how the common cold hits some people harder and longer than others?
One reason lurks in our noses and throats.
“People with stronger, faster immune responses in their nose and throat lining tend to have milder colds,” says UCI Health infectious disease expert Dr. Shruti Gohil.
“That’s because they can attack the virus before it spreads in the body.”
On the flip side, a cold virus will proliferate unchecked in people with a weaker immune response, resulting in more inflammation and more severe symptoms.
Factors in cold length, strength
The immune system isn’t the only thing that affects the severity of a cold, which is caused by a virus called the rhinovirus, says Gohil, assistant medical director of UCI Health Epidemiology & Infection Prevention. The virus infects the cells that line the nose and upper airways.
Other things that influence the strength of the virus include:
- Age
- Allergies
- Chronic lung diseases
- Genetics
- Lifestyle
- Pre-existing health conditions
Having been previously infected with the virus also helps one’s immune system recognize and fight it the next time it rolls around, she adds.
The strain of the virus and the amount of it that spreads through the body also matters.
“A strong, fast antiviral response keeps the virus from multiplying too much,” Gohil says. “This leads to milder symptoms.”
Strengthening immunity
The best defense against the common cold is to keep your immune system as strong as possible.
That means:
- Get enough sleep
- Get adequate nutrition
- Manage stress
- Don’t smoke, or consider quitting if you do
Relieving a cold
There’s no cure for a cold virus, Gohil says. “But you can feel better and recover faster by easing symptoms and supporting your body.”
Ways to ease symptoms include:
- Use decongestants, pain relievers, cough medicine or throat lozenges
- Drink plenty of fluids to help clear mucus
- Get plenty of rest
- Eat well and include vitamins C, D and zinc
- Avoid smoke or pollution
And remember: This won’t last forever.
“Most colds pass in seven to 10 days,” Gohil says. “These steps will make you feel more comfortable and shorten the length of time you feel sick.”
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