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There is no way to completely prevent the occurrence of a cold. However, avoiding close contact with people who have colds can substantially reduce the chances of becoming infected. It is particularly important to avoid exposure to cold germs during the first few days after a person becomes infected, when the condition is particularly contagious.

Frequent hand washing is another good way to reduce the risk of contracting a variety of infectious diseases, including a cold. Rhinoviruses, the most common cause of colds, can live for up to three hours on a person’s skin and on inanimate objects. It is particularly important to wash the hands after touching someone who has a cold or touching an object they have just touched. Using a disinfectant on contaminated objects also can significantly reduce the odds of spreading infection. Keeping one’s own fingers away from the mouth, nose and eyes also can reduce the odds of catching a cold, as viruses often enter the body in this manner.  

Certain popular notions, such as the belief that a person can catch a cold by going outside with wet hair or simply being chilled on a cold day are not supported by science. However, managing stress levels is important because stress affects the immune system and may increase a person’s vulnerability to infection. In addition, regular exercise and a healthy diet help to boost immune system functioning and can help prevent colds from developing. Some studies have shown that a patient’s attitude may also affect his or her likelihood of catching a cold, as well as the severity of the symptoms if infection does occur. For example, people with an overall positive attitudes may suffer fewer and less severe colds than people with generally negative attitudes.