“Cold Comfort” is a very interesting article, written by Atul Gawande, that explores the curious behavior of a friend we all know too well, the common cold. After years of investigation, scientist have established different beliefs as to how we catch colds, but no one knows exactly how it is transferred, and the 100% effective way of treating it. The article explores a number of experiments, scattered over different time periods, that test the many notions that society believes are the reason behind catching the common cold. The article also explains how the common cold affects the body and ways we have tried to cure it.
The article includes six experiments, and the first experiment conducted involved a very bizarre way to uncover if catching the common cold had anything to do with being in a cold or damp area. Scientist Christopher Andrews conducted an experiment a little over 50 years ago that involved splitting a group of people in two different areas. One group was sent to a warm area, the other group was asked to take a bath and stand dripping wet in a cold room for 30 minutes. After this group was dressed, they were then asked to wear wet socks for several hours. Both groups were injected with the cold virus and the number of colds between the groups did not differ.
The other experiments in the article cover such notions as, the common cold being caught from germs in the air, kissing, and changes in weather. Each experiment yield different results, but no experiment gave a 100% reason for how the common cold is transferred. It can be said however, that germs are widely spread by the hands, which was discovered in one of the experiments, but it is not the only way.
Within the article the author explores how the common cold breaks down the body which is a very informative section because it includes how often we catch colds a year, and uncovers the fact that there are actually 5 different strands of the common cold, the rhinovirus being the most common.
Our uncertainly of how the common cold works poses many questions when it comes to the variety of cold medicines pharmaceutical companies continue to put on the shelves. One question may be, are these medicines really working to fight your cold, or are these companies just ripping you off?
The common cold is a sickness everyone is familiar with; however, we still cannot fully understand it. It remains a mystery that may never be solved. The only thing we can do in hopes that the common cold doesn’t affect as often, is to simply practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands on a regular basis, maintain a healthy diet, and take care of yourself.
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