The 6 Risk Factors for a Cold

Contrary to what you were told as a child, wet hair cannot cause a Cold . Colds  are  caused by any of over 200 viruses found freely in the air. There are factors that can contribute to or increase your risk of getting the common cold, these factors include age, lack of sleep , increased stress , the time of year, and smoking. So check out the 6 Risk Factors for a Cold:

Age:  The Common Cold is more prevalent in infants and preschoolers. Young children are more vulnerable because their immune systems have not matured and developed resistance to most viruses responsible for the common cold . Young children make a lot of close contact with other children and they are less likely to wash their hands throughout the day, one of the best ways to avoid a cold , or to put their hands over their mouths when they cough and sneeze. These and other factors allow Cold viruses to spread more easily.

Poor Sleep: In older children and adults, lack of sleep is believed to negatively affect the immune system . Studies have found a link between not getting enough sleep or not getting good quality sleep and catching the Common Cold . According to the Mayo Clinic, different age groups have different optimal levels of sleep. Adults should sleep 7 to 8 hours, teenagers 9 to 10.

Stress:  Just as poor sleep can make you more susceptible to a cold,  some studies have shown that stress can also make you more vulnerable to catching a common cold .

The Seasons:  The Common Cold is most prevalent in the cold weather months. During autumn and winter, adults and children are indoors more often, this puts them in close contact with one another, which also increases the risk of spreading the flu virus.

Dry air also worsens flu symptoms , drying out the mucous membranes in the nose and throat , causing a stuffy nose and sore throat. Consider using a humidifier in your home or office to add some moisture to the air. However, be sure to change the water every day and clean the machine frequently to avoid releasing bacteria, mold and mildew into the air.

The Act of Smoking:  Smoking disrupts the immune system, which is the body’s natural self-defense system against the Common Cold . Actively or passively smoking also exposes you to toxic chemicals that can irritate the lining of your throat and worsen common cold symptoms such as a sore throat. According to a study, smokers are also more likely to develop severe respiratory complications from the Common Cold .

Research also shows that secondhand smoke puts individuals at greater risk for Colds  as well. Children and babies living in households where smoking is present are also at greater risk of serious respiratory problems such as bronchitis and pneumonia. According to the New York Department of Health, secondhand smoke also puts babies at greater risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Allergies:  All allergic diseases that affect the nose and throat can put people at greater risk of getting a cold as well.