COLD & FLU FACTS

1. 22 million school days are lost every year due to the common cold.*
2. Children have about 6 ~ 10 colds a year.*
3. In families with children in school, the number of colds per child can be as high as 12.*
4. Women, especially those aged 20~30 years have more colds than men.*
5. Children are two to three times more likely than adults to get sick with the flu, and children frequently spread the virus to others.*
6. Cold & flu viruses are a leading cause of doctor's visits and children missing school.*
7. In the course of a year, people in the United States suffer 1 billion colds.*
8. The Flu virus can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours.**
9. During the Flu season, 59% of surfaces in home can be contaminated with the Flu virus.**
10. The Flu virus can travel up to twelve feet through the air at 100 mph.*
11. A major cause of the common cold is a virus known as Rhinovirus.*

* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

** "The Occurrence of Influenza A virus on Household and Day Care Center Fomites"; S.A. Boone, C.P. Gerba, Journal of Infection, 2004

Symptoms of the Common Cold

Those exposed to the cold (Rhinovirus) may develop an acute infection of the upper respiratory tract characterized by a runny nose, sneezing, weepy eyes, nasal passage congestion, chilliness, muscle aches, and malaise lasting from 2 to 7 days.

Fever is uncommon in children over 3 years of age and is rare in adults. Illness may be accompanied by laryngitis, tracheitis (inflammation of the trachea), or bronchitis. It may develop into more serious complications, such as sinusitis or ear infection.

How Do You Catch a Cold?

The Rhinovirus is transmitted primarily by contaminated hands carrying the virus to the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose.

Hands can be contaminated by direct contact with another person or by indirect contact with contaminated surfaces and items. Inhalation of airborne droplets is also a possible culprit. Cold symptoms begin between 12 hours and 5 days of exposure (usually 48 hours later).

Preventing Colds

Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces such as faucets, doorknobs, and kitchen appliance handles are important steps to helping prevent colds.

Talk to your kids about the importance of personal hygiene, including covering the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, sanitary disposal of tissues, and frequent hand washing.

Treating a Cold

Treatment includes rest, giving adequate fluids, and medication for symptomatic relief. (Talk to your child's pediatrician about appropriate over-the-counter medications.)