Cold & flu health centre

Why do I keep getting colds?

If you keep getting colds, first look at ways of defending yourself against catching them. Be wary of family, friends and work colleagues with the sniffles.

Cold viruses can survive on hard surfaces such as taps, door handles and computer keyboards, so if you touch these and then touch your eyes, mouth or nose you can introduce the virus into your body. So try not to touch these parts of the body and wash your hands often during the day.

People who are run down or whose immune system isn't working as well as it should are more likely to get colds. You can help improve these defences by looking after yourself with healthy eating and getting plenty of sleep.

Avoiding smoking, and only consuming alcohol within safe recommended amounts, can also reduce the risk of succumbing to colds.

So far there's no firm evidence that taking vitamin C supplements or echinacea prevents colds, according to the NHS.

Scientists say it is a myth than being cold causes colds. However, because we often carry cold viruses around without getting cold symptoms, the cold temperature may affect the body's defences, making getting a cold more likely.