The leaves are falling, and the sniffles are starting. Autumn’s arrival often brings an uptick in colds, but you can take steps to reduce your risk.   

Most colds are transmitted by hand contact, explains Daniel M. Feckoury, M.D., a Piedmont family medicine physician. Contrary to popular belief, he says, chillier weather itself isn’t behind a rise in colds this time of year. 

Instead, people are just spending more time in closer quarters—giving viruses perfect opportunities to spread. 

“We’re inside more,” he explains, “and we’re touching more of the same things.”

If you do get sick, it’s important to monitor your symptoms and ensure they don’t worsen or indicate another illness, like flu.

How to protect yourself from germs

Dr. Feckoury says hand hygiene is very important. Cold viruses are transmitted as people touch, cough and sneeze, so keeping your hands clean is a key protective measure.

Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating or touching your face and after sneezing, coughing or using the bathroom. Antibacterial gels can replace handwashing in a pinch.

Keep your work surfaces clean, too, he says. If you spend time in busy shared settings, like offices, wipe down everything you touch.

Once you start displaying cold symptoms, he says, you can usually do nothing else to ward off illness. The virus has to run its course, and your job is to stay hydrated and well-rested in the meantime.

Dr. Feckoury adds that while trying supplements such as powder mixes spiked with vitamin C is OK, they usually do little to prevent or treat colds.

“There may be some use for it,” he says. “But it’s really about drinking water.” 

How to treat a fall cold

In addition to getting enough water and rest, you can take over-the-counter medication to relieve symptoms. Dr. Feckoury also encourages nasal saline irrigation if you’re comfortable with it.

Irrigation devices, like the neti pot, can reduce congestion and discourage bacteria growth in your sinuses.

“A neti pot that flushes the sinuses out gets rid of a lot of that stagnant fluid,” Dr. Feckoury says. “I’m a huge fan of neti pots.”

When to see a doctor

Dr. Feckoury says adults usually catch two to three colds each year. While colds are uncomfortable and inconvenient, most are not dangerous.

Some people, however, are at higher risk for complications from colds and flu, Dr. Feckoury says. They include:

• Children 5 and under
• Adults 65 and over
• People with certain medical conditions, including asthma, diabetes, sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy and epilepsy

These groups should see a doctor right away, and they need to be tested for the flu. Though flu symptoms sometimes mimic colds, they feature a few unique signs. When watching for flu, be on the lookout for:

• Fever
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Muscle pain

“With a common cold, a fever is actually quite rare,” Dr. Feckoury says. “With the flu, the fever can be very high.”

He adds that anyone who suspects they’ve developed the flu should see a doctor as soon as possible. If you don’t have flu symptoms but find your mucus has changed color (typically from clear to green), you may have developed a secondary bacterial infection, and that requires a visit to your doctor, too.

For the most part, though, a run-of-the-mill cold doesn’t pose much of a danger. Good hygiene habits can protect you to some extent, but once you’re sick, it’s best to take a few days off and get the rest your body needs. A doctor's visit probably won't be necessary. 

“If you’re someone who’s not one of those high-risk individuals,” Dr. Feckoury says, “patience is going to be OK.”

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