colds and hamsters

Yes they can. It is very easy. Trust me this has happend to me and they could most likl die from it.

If you have a cold ,try to get someone else to feed, handle it,change bedding., ect. until your better.
If this happens take your hamster to the vet(same one as for a cavy).

For more hamster care info look here (broken link removed)

Colds are viruses. Viruses are species-specific, so other species can not catch it from you. They can, however, catch a bacterial infection from you.

This past week I was at the vet (dog related stuff) and I asked her about this issue. She said the same thing about virus vs. bacterial infection - she added that sometimes you think you have a viral cold but you could also be harboring some kind of bacterial infection so it certainly doesn't hurt to be cautious and always wash hands etc.