Non-influenza viral upper respiratory infections (URIs), or common colds, are the most common infections experienced by human beings.  They account for more than 25 million doctor visits and 40 million lost days of school and work annually in the United States.¹  These numbers dramatically increase when influenza infections are included.  While there is no cure for these viral infections, there are many things that patients can do to decrease their likelihood of contracting such an illness and, if they do get it, to minimize the length and severity of symptoms.  The following focuses on a number of approaches that might be woven into a Personal Health Plan (PHP).

Physical Activity

Growing evidence indicates that moderate amounts of regular exercise improve immune function and decrease the risk of developing a URI.²  However, there is a transient depression of immune function with associated increased risk of URI after periods of intense, prolonged exercise such as training for and/or running in a marathon.³  For general health, including prevention of upper respiratory infections, consider recommending 30-40 minutes of aerobic exercise most days of the week at an intensity that allows talking but not singing.

Surroundings

A number of simple hygiene and environmental tactics can be used to prevent spreading or contracting viral URIs.⁴

·         Sneezing and coughing into tissues keeps the viruses from spreading, especially when the tissues are immediately discarded and hands are then washed.

·         If no tissue is available, one should sneeze or cough into the bend of the elbow.

·         Avoid, as much as is practical, prolonged contact with anyone who has a cold.

·         The importance of hand-washing cannot be underestimated.

·         Keep the hands out of contact with the eyes, nose and mouth.

·         Keeping the kitchen and bathroom countertops clean is important, especially when someone in the family has a common cold. Children's toys should be washed before and after play when someone in the house has a cold.

·         Focus on temperature and humidity.  Keeping an affected individual’s room warm but not overheated is important. If the air is dry, a cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer can moisten the air and help ease congestion and coughing. A clean humidifier may help to prevent the growth of bacteria and molds.