How Do Colds Spread?

The most common way colds move from one person to another is believed to be through direct contact with the virus—breathing the leftover airborne particles from someone's cough or sneeze, or touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes or nose, where the virus finds easy entry.

Cold, dry weather boosts the survival time of some cold viruses, which increases the chance of spreading. And the cold weather dries out the lining of your nasal passages, making you more susceptible to infection.

The most effective ways to stop the spread of colds are to cover sneezes and coughs, and to wash hands often and well. Wash with warm, soapy water, from the fingertips up well past the wrists. Scrub evenly and rinse thoroughly. If possible, dry hands on a disposable paper towel and use it to turn the faucet off.

Smokers face a greater risk of developing infections and other health complications from the common cold than do non-smokers.