CALGARY- No one enjoys coming down with a cold, but local researchers are looking for people willing to be infected in the name of science.
The University of Calgary study will look at why the common illness is so hard to kick.
“We know that the rhinovirus accounts for about 60 to 80 per cent of all acute exacerbations or clinical worsenings of both asthma and smokers bronchitis, which we often refer to as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,” explains Dr. Richard Leigh, lead researcher, University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine. “We’re hoping that by doing the study, we can understand the way the respiratory system, immune response works towards this virus.”
Calgary’s David Vandertorre has volunteered to be a guinea pig for the study—despite being quite lucky when it comes to his health.
“I really haven’t missed a day of sickness since as long as I can remember,” he says, adding he’s not worried about dealing with a few day of the sniffles if it means a cure for the common cold.
Participants will be infected with rhinovirus, and will undergo a series of tests including a bronchoscope.
“They’re going to be experiencing perhaps a little runny nose, perhaps a slight headache and a mild cough, but these symptoms are very mild,” Dr. Leigh says. “The particular cold virus we’re using is a benign one, and the symptoms usually last about three or four days.”
The study is recruiting volunteers who fit into three categories: healthy non-smokers, smokers with no respiratory disease, and non-smokers with mild asthma.
To participate, contact Curtis Dumonceaux at 403-220-2123 or cjdumonc@ucalgary.ca.
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