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What are Cold and Flu?

Respiratory viral infections, such as the common cold and flu, are among the most common infections in humans. Several viruses are associated with these illnesses: rhinovirus is the most common cause of the common cold, while influenza viruses are primarily responsible for the flu. Both conditions can cause similar symptoms, but flu often leads to more severe symptoms and complications. 1

The incubation period of an infectious disease is the time between infection and the onset of symptoms. This period varies depending on the type of virus, ranging from half a day to over a week for some viruses.2

Common symptoms of colds and flu include a runny or stuffy nose and sore throat. Other symptoms may include a mild cough, headache, and fever. An ordinary cold typically lasts fewer than ten days.1

On average, people experience two to five colds per year. Children, however, are the most frequently affected, catching 7 to 10 colds per year, with frequency generally declining with age.3

  • 1 Wat, Dennis. The common cold: a review of the literature, European Journal of Internal Medicine. 15 (2004): 79-88
  • 2 Lessler, Justin et al. Incubation periods of acute respiratory viral infections: a systematic review,
    The Lancet Infectious Diseases, Volume 9, Issue 5, 291-300.
  • 3 Hull D, et al. Effects of creating a non-specific, virus-hostile environment in the nasopharynx on symptoms and duration of common cold. Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2007 Apr; 27(2): 73-7.

How to Prevent Cold and Flu Infections

Recommendations to reduce the risk of infection from the common cold, flu, and other respiratory viruses:

  • Keep a Distance: Stay at least 1.5 meters away from anyone showing symptoms like coughing or sneezing.
  • Hand Hygiene: Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Cough and Sneeze Etiquette: Always cough or sneeze into your elbow to reduce droplet spread.
  • Clean Surfaces: Regularly disinfect commonly touched surfaces to minimize virus presence.
  • Avoid Face Touching: Don’t touch your mouth, nose, or eyes to prevent virus entry.
  • Dispose of Tissues: Use tissues only once and throw them away immediately.
  • Stay Home if Unwell: Stay home if you’re sick to avoid spreading infections.
  • Healthy Lifestyle: Boost your immune system with a balanced diet, regular sleep, and exercise.

References:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Preventing the Spread of Colds and Flu.” CDC.gov.
  • World Health Organization. “Hand hygiene: Why, How & When?” WHO.int.
  • Public Health Agency of Sweden. “Guidelines for Respiratory Hygiene.”
 
 

Myths about colds and flu

There are a range of common misconceptions about catching cold and how to avoid them, find out which of these myths might have some truth behind them.

Cold and flu are the same

Both diseases are caused by different pathogens. While influenza viruses are responsible for a flu outbreak, the common cold can be triggered by over 200 different viruses.

Colds usually start gradually, whereas flu comes on suddenly and often involves a fever and muscle aches and pains.

Wet hair can cause a cold

Wet hair doesn’t cause a cold, it is caused by infection from common cold viruses.

However, if the immune system is already weak, becoming very cold can further weaken it. Wet hair in cold conditions can lead to a drop in body temperature which can have a negative effect on a weakened immune system, so it is best to avoid going into the cold with wet hair.

When coughing
cover your mouth

Many people still consider it polite to hold their hand over their mouth when coughing.

Anyone who coughs into their hand transmits an enormous number of viruses onto the palm of the hand. If they then touch objects, they increase the risk of infection for others immensely. So the advice is now to cough into the crook of the arm.

Vitamin C
can cure a cold

It appears that daily vitamin C has no real impact on catching a cold, although it may have a small positive effect on the duration of a cold, but only if it is taken as part of a daily routine. High doses of vitamin C once a cold has started have shown no consistent effect on duration or severity of common cold.