Before bacteria are first spyed on a microscope Robert KochEast Prussian doctors, who catch colds, have been criticized for the medical mysteries of evil spirits, bad weather, and blood impurities. Koch’s discovery The medical world was set on fire in the second half of the 19th. century. Many of the horrific suffering of humanity had immediate microbial faces and, more importantly, specific organisms for doctors and scientists to study: cholera in 1883, salmonella and diphtheria in 1884, pneumonia in 1886, and tetanus in 1889. 1883, Popular science It was one of the first publications to forward and promote emerging and controversial things Reproductive theory of disease. Even if some of the medical community resisted evidence of rising germ theory, the 1880s was The Golden Age of Bacteriology. In the same decade, it was developed by French chemist Louis Pasteur. First human vaccinesuccessfully prevented rabies in a single-person trial.
But folklore is stubborn and can resist even the most persuasive facts. By 1925, when Popular science It has been reported The first survey of the common colds in the US Public Health Services found that many people, despite 40 years of reproductive science, were stuck to outdated beliefs.
As contributing author Malcolm McDonald pointed out, the myth continued that colds were usually caused by “bad weather or wet feet.” MacDonald pushed bacterial cases in 1925 as the root cause of a common cold, despite the fact that no particular pathogen had been identified yet. “At least some varieties are very contagious,” writes McDonald. “Prevention is to avoid contact with patients.” Since 1925, I have learned a lot about the cold. It ranges from the underlying virus to seasonality. But we still sign as often as we did a century ago. We still suffer from the same symptoms for the same period of time. And there is no vaccine yet. In other words, “avoiding contact with patients” is the best prevention even in 100 years.
In the 1950s, the elusive origins of colds began to emerge. Inspired by the success of Jonas Salk’s polio vaccine, some researchers have set their sights on treating the common cold. But As Popular science Reported in November 1955the scientist caught up. It was not clear which virus caused the common cold or how many people there were. Robert Hubnera virologist at the US public health service identified adenovirus as a contributor in 1953, but it soon became clear that adenovirus was not the only one. By 1956, Winston Price, a virologist at Johns Hopkins UniversityRhinovirus was discovered as another cause. since then, Three types of line virus has been identified (A, B, and C).
The more scientists are digged into the cold, the more they learned that what we thought was a common cold is a catch-all for similar upper respiratory tract symptoms caused by it Several different virusesequivalent to hundreds of different strains. meanwhile Line Virus It accounts for 30-50% of common cold cases, Non-covid coronavirus 10-15% more, including other causes Adenovirus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)and Parainfluenza (non-FLU) virus.
There is but Over 1 billion Of the US colds each year, on average, between four and four cases per adult, and for children, there is a large number of virus strains that require the target of the vaccine to be targeted, making little progress in vaccines. Fortunately, RSV vaccine Now available to vulnerable populations such as infants and elderly people. However, RSVs only make up a small portion of the common cold cases. Even the rhinovirus vaccines that need it Over 100 stocks One dose cannot prevent most cases.
While universal cold vaccines remain elusive, many of McDonald’s century observations of prevention, treatment and seasonality have stood the test of time. McDonald’s, for example, remains inexplicably accurate, considering that the root cause of a common cold has not yet been identified to explain how stifling indoor conditions can lead to colds during the winter. McDonald was in something. We now know that the weather is not a direct cause of colds, but our environment is important. Dry air is hot or cold – reduces mucosal protection and makes it susceptible to infections. It has also been found that cold viruses are highly contagious and spread more easily indoors than outdoors through airborne droplets, direct contact and contaminated surfaces. Fortunately, the indoor environment in the 21st century tends to be a little more hygienic than McDonald’s Day, with improved ventilation systems and air purifiers.
McDonald also cited an observation from the US Public Health Services about the seasonality of common colds, with its biggest peak in October and another small peak in January. Similar peaks still exist, especially in the northern regions, but are moving around a bit. Today, just like in 1925 Seasonal peak It is often associated with a reopening of the school year (October or fall, peak) and a holiday gathering (January) when people tend to gather indoors.
McDonald explained certain risk factors for catching a cold. He argued that “colds are most likely to attack people who are overly unmoving and constipated, and those who avoid fresh air.” Our understanding of risk factors in the 21st century is a little more subtle. All you need to do is “excessive, non-exercising, constipation.” Risk factors If they represent psychological stress, they lower the immune response to infection. Similarly, sleep, age, and lack of smoking are risk factors, as are autoimmune disorders and other diseases.
When it comes to treating colds, McDonald’s recommended a “hot full-tub bath” at the onset of symptoms, and immediately followed by a 1-3 day rest “in a fairly well-ventilated room”. He also suggested “appropriate meals” such as “not too many fruits, fresh vegetables, meat or pastries.” According to the 1925 US Public Health Services Survey, when such measures were taken, “the average length of all respiratory disorders is less than six and a half hours.” McDonald warned that taking such measures could lead to much more serious conditions. His treatment recommendations and warnings are still tracked with advice provided by 21st century clinics. Johns Hopkins Medicinerest, drinking liquids, eating well, and using indoor steaming agents. Today we have bone removal and painkillers that were not available in 1925, but there is no treatment yet. Furthermore, the cold period is almost the same.
Above all, McDonald’s article highlights how the 1925 US Public Health Services survey represented an early scientific approach to understanding the common cold to collect population-level data rather than anecdotal evidence. Building that science over a century has given us the tools to better understand colds. You can know what they are causing, how to prevent them, how to treat them, what risk factors for more serious illnesses are. Despite all this knowledge, the best advice of 2025 is not dramatically different from 1925. Avoid contact with patients, rest and maintain healthy habits. We may not have a universal vaccine, but if we stick to science, it may be within reach.
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