Acute viral nasopharyngitis historical perspective

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmed Younes M.B.B.CH [2]

Common cold was first considered a distinct diagnosis by Benjamin Franklin in the 18th century.

• In the 18th century, Benjamin Franklin considered the causes and prevention of the common cold.
• After several years of research, he concluded that “People often catch a cold from one another when shut up together in small close rooms, or coaches; and when sitting near and conversing, so as to breathe in each other’s transpiration.”
• Although viruses had not yet been discovered, Franklin hypothesized that the common cold was passed between people through the air.
• He recommended exercise, bathing, and moderation in food and drink consumption to avoid the common cold.^[1] Franklin’s theory on the transmission of the cold was confirmed about 150 years later.^[2]

• In the United Kingdom, the Common Cold Unit (CCU) was set up by the civilian Medical Research Council in 1946. The unit worked with volunteers who were infected with various viruses.^[3]

• The rhinovirus was discovered in the CCU in the 1950s; scientists were able to culture the virus on a tissue culture.
• In the 1970s, the CCU proved that using interferon during the incubation period could be potentially protective against developing the infection.
• In 1987, the unit completed its research on zinc gluconate lozenges for prophylaxis against rhinovirus.^[4]
• In 1989, the unit was closed.^[5]