Articles tagged with Common Cold
A study published in CMAJ found that oral zinc treatments significantly reduced the duration of common cold symptoms in adults, with high doses being more effective. However, there was no apparent effect in children and a higher risk of adverse effects such as bad taste and nausea.
Zinc lozenges have been found to reduce the duration of common cold episodes by an average of 42% for trials using zinc acetate in high doses. However, low-dose zinc lozenges showed no effect on cold duration.
A meta-analysis of 13 trials found that zinc lozenges shortened the duration of common colds by an average of 32%, with higher doses showing greater reductions. Zinc lozenges were generally well-tolerated, with no significant long-term harm observed.
Scientists at University of Wisconsin-Madison have successfully grown a recently discovered species of human rhinovirus (HRV) in culture using nasal tissue. This achievement sheds light on HRV-C, a new member of the HRV family, and its unique growth requirements, which may lead to new antiviral compounds.
A systematic review published in The Cochrane Library found that zinc supplements reduce the severity and duration of illness caused by the common cold. Zinc syrup, lozenges or tablets taken within a day of symptom onset reduced symptoms severity and length of illness.
Researchers found that echinacea supplements reduced cold duration by an average of 7-10 hours and 10% in overall severity. The study involved over 700 participants and concluded that while the supplement showed minimal benefits, it was still considered safe for use.
Researchers used a novel technique to count disease-spreading events in a high school population of 788 volunteers. They found that most people had a fairly high number of person-to-person interactions, but there were no super-spreaders who stood out from the rest.
Researchers sequence genomes of 99 known cold virus strains, exposing vulnerabilities that could lead to effective remedies. The study's findings also shed light on the genetic composition of rhinovirus A and B, as well as emerging species C, which is more virulent.
The study provides a powerful tool for developing effective treatments against the common cold by sequencing the genetic codes of human rhinoviruses. The researchers found that the viruses are organized into about 15 small groups and can mutate rapidly, making a 'one drug fits all' approach ineffective.
Researchers at George Mason University have developed a DNA-based vaccine effective in protecting mice from adenovirus-3. The vaccine's affordability and stability make it a promising solution for preventing this devastating infection.
New research by Cardiff University's Common Cold Centre found that hot fruit cordial provides immediate relief from cold symptoms. The study of 30 volunteers with common cold symptoms showed a 'hot' version of the drink to be effective in reducing symptoms such as runny nose and cough.
The common cold's immune response, not the virus itself, causes symptoms, according to a comprehensive genomic study. The research identifies therapeutic targets that can balance the immune response and potentially prevent infection.
Researchers have shown that HRV hijacks many of your genes, leading to an overblown immune response. The study identifies novel candidate genes that could be targeted for drug development to treat colds and exacerbations of asthma and COPD.
A new study confirms the close link between viral colds and ear infections in young children, identifying adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and coronavirus as primary causes. Researchers recommend avoiding exposure to sick children, day care attendance, and using influenza vaccine to prevent respiratory viral infection.
A new review of 14 placebo-controlled studies on zinc lozenges and colds found significant flaws in experimental design, casting doubt on the effectiveness of zinc as a treatment. The authors concluded that zinc lozenges have no therapeutic effect on symptom severity or duration of a cold.
A new study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases suggests that rhinoviruses, a common cause of the common cold, are associated with hospitalizations for fever and respiratory illnesses in young children. Children with asthma or a history of wheezing have a higher risk of hospitalization due to rhinovirus infection.
A recent study found that adults infected with the common cold virus easily transferred the virus to 35% of surfaces touched, and even to an uninfected person by fingertips 18 hours after initial contamination. The virus was also found on a third of objects and surfaces in hotel rooms.
A randomized controlled trial found that ginseng reduced the frequency and severity of colds in study subjects. Ginseng was also effective in lessening symptom severity and duration. In contrast, Echinacea angustifolia was not found to be a preventive herbal product for the common cold.
A review of clinical research on vitamin C and the common cold found no benefit from supplementation for prevention or treatment. However, vitamin C may have a minor effect on reducing cold duration when taken before symptoms start. Vitamin C was also effective in preventing colds in athletes exposed to extreme physical stress.
Researchers at Purdue University found that the flexible structure of WIN compounds allows them to shimmy into the proteins forming the virus' outer shell and alter them. This could potentially stop the infection process. The team believes WIN compounds may be effective in stabilizing proteins, preventing the viral trap door from opening.
Asthma sufferers experience worsened symptoms when infected with the common cold virus, as their cells replicate more extensively and fail to produce interferon-beta, a potent anti-viral protein. This defect leads to increased pro-inflammatory molecule secretion, recruiting asthma-inducing cells into the lungs.
A study published by Marshfield Clinic found that echinacea had no effect on relieving common cold symptoms. The study involved 128 participants who took either echinacea or a placebo, with no significant difference in symptom relief observed.
A new study by U-M researchers found that the common cold leads to significant economic impact, with Americans spending over $2.9 billion on over-the-counter drugs and nearly $1.1 billion on antibiotic prescriptions for symptomatic relief. The total economic cost of cold-related work loss exceeds $20 billion annually.
A randomized, double-blind study found a significant reduction in symptom severity and duration when treating with zincum gluconicum nasal gel, even at 48 hours after illness onset. The treatment significantly shortened the median duration of cold symptoms by 4 days compared to placebo.
Scientists found that viruses causing diverse ailments like AIDS, common cold, and hepatitis share functional traits, linking large groups of viruses. These traits involve replication mechanisms and messenger RNA stages, suggesting a common ancestor among the viruses. The discovery bolsters prospects for broad-spectrum antiviral agents.
Researchers found that asthma does not increase the risk of having a common cold, but individuals with asthma are more likely to develop severe respiratory symptoms when infected. Rhinovirus infection was also linked to longer-lasting and more severe lower-respiratory-tract symptoms in those with asthma.
Two studies found that eating breakfast can reduce susceptibility to upper respiratory tract infections, including colds and flu. Volunteers who reported multiple illnesses were less likely to eat breakfast and consume alcohol, suggesting that psychosocial factors play a role in illness susceptibility.
Scientists have found that parts of the protein shell of the common cold virus flap open in a motion called "breathing", which can be stifled by compounds that stop viruses from infecting cells. This discovery could lead to rapid screening methods for antiviral drugs.
A recent study found that most common colds are caused by viruses, with rhinovirus being the primary culprit. Researchers identified 138 cases of the common cold in university students, with 105 cases linked to rhinovirus infection.
A new Carnegie Mellon University study found that chronic stress increases susceptibility to the common cold. Chronic but not acute stressors were linked to a higher risk of illness. Stress from family or work problems made people more likely to develop a cold.