THE EVIDENCE THAT VITAMIN C PREVENTS THE COMMON COLD is not particularly strong. The common cold is a viral infection of the nose and throat. This upper respiratory tract infection is typically relatively harmless, although not particularly pleasant. Today we address this question: Does vitamin C prevent a cold?
More than 200 virus types can trigger a common cold, but rhinoviruses are the most common. Viruses that cause colds can spread from person to person through the air and close personal contact.
Healthy adults commonly experience two or three colds annually, and younger children have even more events. Most of the time, you will not need healthcare professional intervention, but if the symptoms don’t improve as expected, please consult your healthcare professional. Individuals typically recover within a week to 10 days, although smokers may have a longer course.
Today we explore common cold risk factors, symptoms, and the role of vitamin C for those with an infection.
Common cold — Risk factors and symptoms
Some factors can increase your risk of catching a cold, including close contact with someone with an active cold. Young age is a risk factor, with infants and young children having a higher frequency of colds. Finally, colds are more common in autumn and winter, but it is possible to get a cold anytime.
Common cold symptoms typically peak within two to three days and may include the following:
- A stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- A runny nose
- Sore throat
- Coughing
- Mucus dripping down the throat (post-nasal drip). While the mucus may initially be clear, it may turn yellow, white, or green after two or three days. This color change does not mean you need an antibiotic.
- Watery eyes
- Fever (although most individuals with colds do not have fever)
As noted above, some symptoms, especially runny or stuffy nose and cough, can last up to 10 to 14 days. Those symptoms should improve over time. The United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that you see a medical professional if adults have any of the following:
- Trouble breathing or fast breathing
- Dehydration
- Fever lasting more than four days
- Symptoms lasting more than ten days without improvement
- Symptoms (such as fever or cough) that improve but then return or worsen
- Worsening of chronic medical conditions
We should add wheezing to the list. Also, if a fever returns after a fever-free period, please see a doctor for any severe or concerning symptom, whether or not it is listed above.
Children and the common cold
The Mayo Clinic (USA) recommends that you seek medical attention for your child if any of the following symptoms are present:
- Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) in newborns up to 12 weeks
- Rising fever or fever lasting more than two days in a child of any age
- Severe symptoms, such as headache, throat pain, or cough
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Ear pain
- Extreme fussiness
- Unusual drowsiness
- Lack of appetite
Cold complications
https://www.healthline.com/health/common-cold-complications#1
Common cold and vitamin C
Let’s get back to the title: Does vitamin C prevent a cold? The evidence that vitamin C prevents the common cold is weak. Here are the findings of a 2013 Cochrane review:
Vitamin C supplementation does not prevent the common cold. However, the supplement reduces symptom severity and duration. The researchers concluded that vitamin C might be useful for those exposed to brief periods of severe physical exercise (such as marathon runners).
If you take at least 0.2 grams of vitamin C daily, you are not less likely to experience the common cold, but if you get a cold, it may end a day or two quicker. Bring on the orange juice!
Common cold — Management
So, what can you do to deal with a common cold? There is no cure, but fortunately, the cold usually spontaneously resolves. And no, antibiotics don’t work on virus-related illnesses like the cold. Moreover, antibiotics can cause allergic reactions, antibiotic-resistant infections, and C. diff infections. The last can cause diarrhea, leading to severe colon damage and death.
Some strategies can help you feel better as your body fights a cold. First, get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. A clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer may help, while some benefit from saline nasal sprays or drops.
Consider breathing steam from a bowl, hot water, or a shower. While children under four should not use lozenges, older individuals should consider using them. Honey may provide some cough relief for those at least one year old. For young children, a rubber suction bulb to remove mucus can be quite helpful.
Ask your healthcare provider about over-the-counter medications that can provide symptom relief.
Common cold — Prevention
There’s no vaccine for the common cold, but you can take commonsense precautions to slow the spread of cold viruses:
- Wash. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds. Is no soap available? Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Don’t touch your mouth, eyes, or nose with unwashed hands.
- Disinfect your belongings. Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces daily, including doorknobs, light switches, kitchen and bathroom countertops, and electronics. Wash children’s toys occasionally.
- Cover your cough. Cough and sneeze into tissues, throwing them away immediately. Then, wash your hands well. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow’s bend and wash your hands.
- Don’t share. Do not share eating utensils or drinking glasses with other family members. Consider labeling the cup or glass with the name of the individual using it.
- Avoid people with colds. Stay out of crowds when possible.
- Review your child care center’s policies. Look for a childcare setting with excellent hygiene practices and clear policies about keeping sick children at home.
- Take care. Eating well, getting exercise, and getting enough sleep is good for your overall health.
Thank you for joining me in this look at the question: Does vitamin C prevent a common cold? While vitamin C does not prevent a cold, it may slightly shorten its duration when the supplement is taken daily. Better yet, try to increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables.
The information I provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you seek medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. I am not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information in this blog.
