Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: thedoc on 20/03/2014 02:30:01

Title: Could we eliminate the common cold by isolating everyone for a week?
Post by: thedoc on 20/03/2014 02:30:01

Konrad Higgins asked the Naked Scientists:
   
I've often wondered whether it would be possible to eliminate the common cold by stockpiling food and water in each household, then everyone spending a week or 10 days or so in the home, with only essential workers allowed out and those equipped with masks to prevent spread or infection.

Given the number of lost days per person per year from colds wouldn't this be an economically good thing, or would we be reinfected from other animals in a few years anyway like pig's or bird's flu.

Thanks for a great show (http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/podcasts/).

Konrad from Leicestershire


What do you think?