Colds: What Puts You at Risk?

Ever wonder what makes some people more at risk for colds than others? Maybe you've questioned why you catch colds so easily while your best friend does not. Or perhaps your young child continues to harbor a cold and you wonder what you can do to stop the symptoms.

While everyone is at risk for getting a cold, some people are at even greater risk. That's because there is a variety of situations and circumstances that can put you and your loved ones at an increased risk for getting a viral or bacterial infection. Let's take a look at some of the people who are at higher risk. Then after reading this article, take time to assess your own risk factors for catching a cold. Next, talk with your doctor about how you can reduce these risks. By making a few simple changes in your lifestyle habits and washing your hands frequently throughout the day, you may be able to prevent catching a cold this year.

A newborn's risk of colds

Newborns are at high risk for colds or other infections for the first 4 to 6 weeks of life. That's because their immune system is functionally immature. Babies do get some immune protection from the antibodies they receive from the placenta before birth. They also get antibodies through the mother's breast milk if they are being breast fed after birth. But there are many germs that they are not protected against.

It's important to help newborns build a strong immune system before they are hit with cold viruses. Remember, a virus that causes a mild illness in an older child or an adult can cause a more serious illness in a newborn. Here are some ways to reduce the risk of colds for your newborn:

• To help boost immunity, try to breast feed the newborn baby.
• Sterilize bottles and nipples between uses by boiling them or running them through the dishwasher.
• After each feeding, discard uneaten formula or breast milk (if bottled). The reason for this is baby's saliva has germs which multiply quickly.
• Keep baby's formula or breast milk in the refrigerator until just before feeding time. Then warm the milk and feed it to the baby immediately, before bacteria have a chance to grow.
• Wash your hands frequently before and after feeding your baby and before and after changing your baby's diaper.
• Keep newborns away from anyone who is ill.
• If possible, avoid using public transportation with newborns.

Young kids' risk of colds

Young kids fight a host of ongoing viruses and bacteria as their immune systems continue to mature and strengthen. If your toddler or preschooler has a runny nose all the time, it's not that abnormal. Most preschoolers get five to seven or even more colds each year.