Why Do I Keep Getting Colds? What to Know When You Commonly Catch Cold Viruses

Why Am I So Susceptible to Colds?

You will not get a single, uniform answer as to why you keep getting colds or seem to deal with a head cold on a regular basis. That’s because there are several factors that may make one individual more prone to contracting a cold virus than another.

1. Exposure to Viruses

You are unlikely to get sick if you’re rarely exposed to cold viruses. But because there are so many cold viruses and given how easily they can spread, you are more than likely to be exposed to these viruses in some capacity. So, the chances of getting sick have some linkage to the level of exposure.

People who work in environments that necessitate a lot of in-person interaction naturally have more potential exposure to cold viruses. The same goes if you’re a socialite who constantly goes out and regularly sees a bunch of friends, or groups of friends.

Now, this should not preclude you from having a social life. But, if you do consider yourself social or have a job involving face-to-face time, you’ll want to take precautions and small steps (like washing hands and not touching your face) to help reduce risk when you have higher exposure.

Additionally, while cold weather itself does not cause colds, it may increase your level of exposure to cold viruses if you’re spending more time in dryer, indoor environments with other people – viruses spread more easily from person-to-person in these circumstances.

2. Differences in the Immune System

Individual differences in immune systems can determine how often you might get sick. Sometimes, this has to do with genetic makeup or potential defects that could render you slightly more susceptible when exposed to cold viruses.

If you are more immunocompromised, then you’re more likely to get sick than those who are not even if your level of exposure to a strain is the exact same. You may be immunocompromised because of genetic makeup or defect factors, or if you are older.

You can take steps to try to fortify your immune system so that it’s more resistant to certain pathogens – which we will touch on later. However, if you keep getting colds or just seem to get sick every two weeks, this may be your immune system’s way of telling you to slow down or take steps to limit your level of exposure.

3. “It’s Going Around”

You might feel like you keep getting colds because there are a bunch of different viruses circulating all at once. That doesn’t just mean cold viruses, either. For example, it’s entirely possible that rates of illnesses like the flu, RSV, or COVID-19 surged in your community.

Given how easily the viruses can be transmitted and the heightened level of exposure, your immune system may be working that much harder to fight off multiple viruses. Even if you stave off the majority of the pathogens, you still may feel a little ill or cold-y because of all the viruses going around.

4. You Have Allergies… Or Smoke

Do you struggle with seasonal allergies and also seem especially susceptible to cold viruses? Well, there may be a correlation…

Research has shown that the cells lining our nasal airways have a strong antiviral response, providing a stronger defense than lung cells. However, that same research also showed that the antiviral response in the nasal cells weakened when exposed to cigarette smoke.

The implication is that nasal irritants can weaken our antiviral response. That means smoke and other irritants, including pollen, dust, pet dander, and more common allergens, may make you more susceptible to cold viruses. Of course, since many of the symptoms of colds and allergies are similar, you’ll want to know how to tell the difference.

If you do suffer from allergies, Zicam® Nasal Sprays can help provide relief. Zicam® Allergy Relief Spray is a No-Drip Liquid® Nasal Spray that does not drip down your throat and helps provide relief from symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, and watery eyes‡. You can also use Zicam® Nasal AllClear™ which helps rinse your nasal passages and clear them of irritants and pollutants.

Or, if you feel like it’s a cold coming on and not just your usual allergy symptoms, turn to Zicam® Cold Remedy. Whether you try RapidMelts®, Medicated Fruit Drops, or Zicam® Cold Remedy Nasal Spray, Zicam® Cold Remedy products can help shorten the length of your cold when taken at the first sign.

5. Issues with the Sinuses

Sinus pressure occurs when you have congestion and inflammation in the nasal passages. Aside from headaches and pressure, this can also leave you more susceptible to cold viruses, particularly if you experience chronic sinusitis.

Consider different strategies for helping your sinuses. This could involve using both hot and cold compresses or sleeping with your head elevated. And be sure to stay hydrated! Getting enough fluids is an important part of trying to remain healthy.

6. Stress or Fatigue

Are you in a time of your life when you constantly feel stressed? Is the abundance of stress contributing to a lack of sleep? Do you feel like you keep getting sick or getting a cold when life feels overwhelming? While stress and fatigue themselves cannot cause colds, they can result in changes to the immune system that may increase your chances of getting sick when exposed to a cold virus.

As much as you’d probably hope to avoid it, stress is bound to happen from time to time. Similarly, we don’t always get a good night’s sleep. Nevertheless, it’s important to try to take steps that help you destress or relax when you’re in a rough patch.

Can You Get Two Colds in a Row?

Technically, you can get two cold viruses in a row because there are so many different strains of cold viruses. However, you are unlikely to keep getting the same strain of a cold virus—even if the virus is going around and you are frequently exposed—because your body has built up antibodies and immunity against that strain.

How to Stop Getting Frequent Colds

When you’re someone who keeps getting colds or sick in general – you probably don’t want to be complacent. We mentioned staying hydrated and getting rest as two straightforward things you can do to help reduce the risk of getting sick. Here are some other tips to help you stop getting seemingly recurring common colds:

• Wash your hands: Good hygiene is essential when you’re trying to navigate cold and flu season or just trying to stay healthy in general. So, wash your hands often—especially after taking public transportation or when you’re out with friends or at work—and use hand sanitizer to help kill off viruses and bacteria.
• Get some exercise: Making sure you get enough sleep is important. So, too, is getting enough exercise. Studies have shown that getting around 45 minutes of daily moderate-intensity exercise can decrease your risk of getting a cold.
• Evaluate your diet: Getting the right vitamins and nutrients can go a long way in fortifying your immune system. Try working foods with heavy Vitamin D content into your diet, like fish and eggs. And make sure to eat fruits and vegetables with Vitamin C, including strawberries and broccoli. Plus, in between, you can snack on nuts or seeds to get your Vitamin E.

So, to recap: practicing good hygiene, staying active, and eating well are strong ways to help you stay healthy and reduce your chances of getting sick.

Counter Your Cold with Zicam® Cold Remedy

No matter how hard you try, it’s more than likely you’ll deal with the common cold at some point almost every year. Whether you’re someone who keeps getting a cold every few weeks or only suffer from the occasional virus, get rid of your cold symptoms faster with Zicam® Cold Remedy:

• Zicam® Cold Remedy RapidMelts® ingredients include zinc and help reduce the duration of the common cold*. These quick-dissolve tablets melt in your mouth and come in Citrus, Cherry, or Lemon-Lime flavors. There is also an Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) Citrus formula that also helps relieve cold symptoms‡. ULTRA RapidMelts® are available in Orange Cream and Cherry flavors, both of which are free of sugars and dyes.
• Zicam® Cold Remedy Medicated Fruit Drops come in Assorted Fruit and Orange flavors and include zinc which helps reduce the duration of the common cold*, plus there is an Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) flavor that also helps relieve cold symptoms‡.
• Zicam® Cold Remedy Lozenges are formulated with zinc and reduce the duration of the common cold*. These great-tasting lozenges come in Elderberry and Wild Cherry flavors and help soothe sore throats and coughs‡.
• Zicam® Cold Remedy Cold Remedy Nasal Spray is the only nasal spray that helps shorten colds‡. This zinc-free, homeopathic, no-drip nasal spray reduces the duration of the common cold*, helps relieve nasal congestion, and contains cooling menthol and eucalyptus.
• Zicam® Cold Remedy Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs are the only cold-shortening nasal swabs, and they do not include zinc. These homeopathic nasal swabs with eucalyptus and cooling menthol deliver a gel formula to help relieve nasal congestion and shorten the duration of the common cold*.
• Zicam® Cold & Flu-Like Symptoms are cooling, peppermint-flavored tablets that help to temporarily relieve six cold and flu-like symptoms, including sore throat and chest congestion‡.