Man vs. The Common Cold: A Historical Look

The common cold has plagued humanity for centuries. Despite superstitions like “Idiots don’t catch colds,” no one is immune. Let us take a look into the initial risks and effects of it in early history. 

Historical accounts suggest that humans have battled cold-like symptoms for thousands of years. The common cold has evolved to affect the nose, throat, larynx (otherwise known as the voice box) and bronchi (large tubes that send air into the lungs). Ancient medical texts, such as the Ebers Papyrus from ancient Egypt, describe the common cold to possess symptoms such as runny noses, sore throats and coughs. The disease was often mistaken for divine punishment within bodily humors. The term "common cold" refers to various infections caused by viruses like rhinoviruses and coronaviruses. Written records dating back to the Iron Age (1200 B.C. to 600 B.C.) mention cold-like symptoms. The risks posed by respiratory infections were much greater due to poor hygiene, lack of medical treatments and limited understanding of disease transmission. Ancient civilizations like Egypt, Greece and Rome attributed these ailments to supernatural causes or the environment. In Egypt, cold-like symptoms were linked to the wrath of gods or evil spirits. In Greece, they were believed to result from excess phlegm or an imbalance of bodily humors. The Romans thought cold weather itself caused the illness. Physicians advised patients to stay warm or drink herbal wine. Without antibiotics or knowledge of viral infections, even mild respiratory infections could become life-threatening, often leading to pneumonia or bronchitis.

The 20th century marked the identification of the specific viruses responsible for the common cold. The development of electron microscopy and tissue culture techniques allowed scientists in 1956 to isolate the rhinovirus. This breakthrough provided critical insight into how the common cold spreads and develops.

Today, the common cold is generally seen as a minor annoyance, though it can still pose significant risks for vulnerable groups such as infants, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. A cold typically causes mild symptoms like a runny nose, cough and low-grade fever. However, it can sometimes lead to more serious complications, including sinusitis, bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly when the immune system is compromised. Pneumonia, which is a common complication of cold or flu viruses, continues to be a leading cause of death worldwide.

Understanding the cold’s historical impact and potential dangers may help aid in prevention and care methods for managing this seemingly minor infection.