Main risk groups for colds

Have you ever wondered what makes some people more susceptible to catching a cold than others? The main risk groups for colds are small children with an underdeveloped immune system, and older people whose immune system is already failing. Who else?

Read also: Colds in children: causes, symptoms, treatment

Why do children get colds more than others?..

The most successful way for a cold to spread is when bacteria and viruses from an infected person land on the fingers and hands and then in the mouth or nose of another person. Rolling toys or other objects in sand, dirt, and dust is a way for a small child to learn about the world, but parents should still be careful about anything their child handles that may contain bacteria.

Who is most at risk of catching a cold?

Of course, anyone can get a cold, but some people are at higher risk than others. There are different situations and circumstances that can put you and your loved ones at higher risk of getting a viral or bacterial infection. Let's identify those people who are at higher risk of getting a cold.

Then, after reading this article, take some time to assess your own risk factors for getting a cold. Then talk to your doctor about how you can reduce those risks. By making a few simple changes to your lifestyle and frequent hand-washing habits throughout the day, you can reduce your risk of getting a cold or other infectious bug.

Newborns are at risk for colds

Newborns are at high risk of getting colds and other infections during the first 4 to 6 weeks of life. This is because newborns' immune systems are functionally immature. Babies receive only a little immune protection from antibodies they receive from their mother's placenta before birth. They also receive antibodies from their mother's breast milk if she breastfeeds after birth. But there are many germs that babies are not protected against.

It is important to help newborns build a strong immune system before they are exposed to cold viruses. A virus that causes mild illness in an older child or adult can cause more serious illness in newborns.

Preschool children are at risk for colds

As young children fight off a variety of viruses and bacteria, their immune systems continue to develop and strengthen. If your toddler is a preschooler, he or she is at high risk for getting sick. Most preschoolers get five to seven colds a year. Some get more.

In addition, many young children develop multiple ear infections, especially if they have many siblings or other children at daycare. When the immune system fights back, it produces antibodies to fight these new viruses and infections, although a young child is still more susceptible to illness than older children.

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Those who live in dormitories are among the main risk groups

In corporate, student, and family dorms, people live together in a confined space, breathe the same air, touch the same surfaces—and become infected with the same germs. If you or someone you love lives in a dorm, consider the following strategies to help avoid infection:

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly to prevent the spread of bacteria.
• Don't force your immune system to work at its peak, which requires plenty of sleep, good nutrition, and avoiding stress.
• Avoid taking on more work than you can handle. Chronic stress can weaken your immune system, making it easier to get sick.
• Make sure you and your loved ones are regularly vaccinated against viruses each year. Most colleges and universities have low-cost flu vaccines for students and faculty that are available soon after you start your studies at that institution.

People with weak immune systems are at higher risk of catching colds

People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of catching a cold. These include people with AIDS, which severely compromises the immune system, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and people on immunosuppressive therapy.

Read also: HIV/AIDS and the common cold: the degree of danger

Older people are at risk for colds

Many older adults are more susceptible to cold viruses than younger adults. Their immune systems are weakened, so they may get sick more often than others. Here are some tips for older adults to help reduce their risk of colds and other viral infections:

• Don't skip vaccinations. There is no vaccine for the common cold, but be sure to ask your doctor about the flu vaccine, pneumonia vaccine, and DPT (tetanus, diphtheria, and cough) vaccine to help prevent viral or bacterial infections.
• Eat a healthy diet, exercise, drink plenty of water, and get plenty of rest to keep your immune system functioning optimally.
• Wash your hands thoroughly several times a day, before and after preparing food, eating, and after using the toilet. Many infectious diseases are transmitted by touch. Washing your hands thoroughly can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
• Replace your toothbrush regularly and store other toothbrushes separately, especially when someone in the family is sick.

No matter your age or health, start taking preventive measures today to prevent colds and other viral or bacterial infections. When you do, you will ensure a healthy future for yourself and those around you.

Even if you are in the main risk groups for catching a cold, a healthy lifestyle and prevention can help you reduce your risk.

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Tips for protecting the health of family members with impaired immune function:

• Make sure everyone in your family gets their annual flu shot.
• Make sure that people at risk eat a good and varied diet
• Ensure all visitors take precautions such as wearing gloves and masks if visiting someone with a weakened immune system

Here are some ways to reduce the risk of colds in your newborn:

• Breastfeeding your newborn baby will help boost your baby's immunity.
• Sterilize bottles and teats between uses by boiling or washing in the dishwasher.
• Throw away unused formula or bottled breast milk after each feeding – a baby’s saliva contains many germs that multiply quickly.
• Store baby formula or breast milk in the refrigerator, opening it shortly before feeding. Then warm the milk and feed it to your baby right away before bacteria can grow.
• Wash your hands frequently before and after feeding your baby and before and after changing your baby's diapers.
• Keep newborns away from those who are sick.
• If possible, avoid crowds and do not travel on public transport with a newborn baby - there is a high risk of infection.

Here are some tips to reduce your young child's risk of getting a cold:

• Wash toys with soap and then let them dry. Many plastic toys are dishwasher safe.
• If a mother is breastfeeding, she should periodically wash her nipples with soap and water.
• Wash young children's hands frequently with a clean washcloth and hot water. Children love to put their hands in their mouths, so it's important to keep them clean at all times.
• Wash young children's hands before and after eating and especially after playing.

How else can you prevent colds?

According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, rhinoviruses, the most common type of cold virus, can live up to three hours on skin and survive up to three hours on objects such as phones and stair railings. Cleaning virus-contaminated surfaces can help prevent the spread of cold viruses. Many cleaning products can be very effective for this purpose.

Read also: Cold prevention: the simplest and most effective methods

Also, make sure you vaccinated your child and that he or she gets an annual flu shot after 6 months of age.

How to reduce the risk of catching a cold with the help of a daily routine?

Children who attend daycare and primary school are at greater risk of catching colds than children who stay at home. Parents should take extra steps to help their children stay healthy. Here are some helpful tips.

Read also: Prevention of colds in children

Teach your child to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly. Hand washing is an important and very effective way to prevent the spread of infection. Hands should be washed with water and regular soap and, a very important step, rubbed for 20 to 30 seconds. This will get rid of germs. Then hands should be rinsed with running water and dried with a clean towel, which should be thrown into the laundry basket after each use.

Remind children to wash their hands before and after eating and definitely after using the toilet.

Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers or hand wipes if soap and water are not available. The alcohol in them helps kill germs.

Encourage your child to use cutlery and utensils independently, rather than sharing them with others.

Keep your child home when he or she is sick, and make sure the daycare has the same policy for other children and parents. Otherwise, your entire family will be constantly exposed to colds and other infections.

Make sure your child gets enough sleep, eats a varied and nutritious diet, and spends plenty of time outdoors.

Replace your child's toothbrush regularly, every 2-3 months, and store all family members' toothbrushes separately, especially when someone in the family is sick.