You catch colds often because of exposure to germs, stress, poor sleep, or a weaker immune system. Adults average two to three colds per year.
Common reasons
- Adults catch 2 to 3 colds a year. Children catch 6 to 8.
- Over 200 viruses cause colds.
- Stress and poor sleep lower immunity.
- Exposure to kids or crowds.
- Not washing hands.
Prevention
- Wash hands.
- Sleep 7 or more hours.
- Don’t touch your face.
- Exercise.
See a doctor
If colds are frequent, last over 10 days, or come with high fever.
How many colds are normal
Adults average 2 to 3 colds per year and children 6 to 8, according to the CDC and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. There are over 200 viruses that cause colds, with rhinoviruses accounting for 10% to 40% of cases.
Reasons you may catch more
- Exposure to children in daycare, school or home.
- Poor hand hygiene.
- Lack of sleep. A study found people sleeping less than 6 hours were 4 times more likely to catch a cold than those sleeping more than 7 hours.
- Chronic stress, which affects immune function.
- Smoking and secondhand smoke.
- Crowded indoor spaces in winter.
- Low vitamin D levels.
- Lack of exercise.
- Allergies, which can mimic colds.
- Underlying conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or a weakened immune system.
Is it a cold or something else
Allergies last longer and cause itching and sneezing without fever. Sinus infection, flu and COVID-19 have different patterns.
Prevention
- Wash hands with soap for 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Sleep 7 to 9 hours.
- Exercise regularly. Moderate exercise is linked with fewer colds.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Manage stress.
- Get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
Supplements
Vitamin C does not prevent colds in the general population but may shorten them slightly. Zinc lozenges started early may reduce the duration.
See a doctor if
You get frequent infections that last longer than 10 days, require antibiotics many times a year, or are associated with weight loss, fever or night sweats. Immune testing may be needed.
What counts as frequent
Adults average about 2 to 3 colds a year and young children as many as 6 to 8, according to the CDC. Over 200 viruses can cause colds, with rhinoviruses the most common. Symptoms usually last 7 to 10 days. Catching more colds can come from contact with children, school or daycare, poor sleep, high stress, smoking or crowded indoor spaces in winter.
Prevention and red flags
Wash hands often for 20 seconds, avoid touching the face and keep up on flu and COVID vaccines. Vitamin D or zinc evidence is mixed. Symptoms lasting more than 10 days, a fever above 103 F (39.4 C), shortness of breath or repeated serious infections may signal allergies, sinus problems, asthma or an immune disorder and should be evaluated by a doctor.
Based on data from the CDC and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
