Is it possible to reinfect yourself with a cold

When it comes spreading colds and influenza, bar soap and towels can be germ factories. After rubbing hands on the soap, the germs remain on the bar, said Gerba. If people fail to sufficiently wash the germs off their hands, the leftovers may cling to hand towels. Sheets can also harbor germs, which could infect a healthy bed partner if they remain unwashed after illness. But they can linger up to 24 hours on hard surfaces, such as counters, tables, computer keyboards, and remote controls. It doesn't take much to clean away most germs, fortunately.

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Share this —. Follow today. The not so good news is that you can get another cold from a different virus, or a different virus strain. When it comes to antibodies, keep in mind that this protection may not last too long.

Several viruses, including the influenza viruses, mutate at such a rate that it is possible to suffer from a cold due to the same virus strain during the next cold and flu season. This rate of mutation is the reason why people are strongly advised to get a new flu vaccine every year.

The annual vaccine has been designed to combat the most dominant flu viruses of that season, offering as much protection as possible from the strains most likely to cause illness at that time. To find out how we use our clinical trials to conduct this research, head to our trials page , or contact our friendly team for more about how you can become an EverydayHero and help us fight the flu.

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