How common is the common cold?
On average, an adult will have 2-5 colds per year usually with symptoms like sore throat, headache, sneezing, nasal congestion and cough. Those 2-5 colds a year might not seem like a lot, but as a busy parent they can really set you back. Speaking about your family, let’s not forget how often your kids can get a cold (on average school kids have 7-10 colds per year) and the time it takes to look after them.
How long does cold and flu stick around?
Cold and flu might only last a week or so (7 to 10 days to be more precise), but the daily responsibilities can start to pile up if you’re knocked out of action – which usually occurs around 2 to 3 days after infection. In some cases, if symptoms last for more than a week, like a cough (which is known to happen) it can really keep you and your family up at night. Symptoms can also include fever, muscle pain, and weakness (fever usually lasts 3-4 days), cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and loss of appetite.
When it comes to cold and flu, knowing the right information and having the right tools on hand so you can get on top of those symptoms is important to keep you and your family’s lives on track.
Remember that anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested and isolate. For the most up-to-date information, please visit https://www.health.gov.au.
Causes of Cold and Flu
So what are colds and flu anyway? Viral infections are what cause both a common cold and flu. Viral infections are highly contagious, and usually spread by coming into contact with viral particles that you or your family may encounter on surfaces (e.g. door handles), objects (e.g. toys, tissues) or breathing them in from the air (e.g. after an infected person sneezes). As a parent, that’s why you know it’s important to wipe down surfaces and make sure the kids are constantly washing their hands.
Rhinoviruses are the cause of the common cold and there’s hundreds of variants that have been discovered and they are highly adaptable, making it difficult to develop a vaccine against them.
Cold and Flu Relief and Living Well
While cold and flu viruses are invisible to the eye, there are some steps you can take to minimise you and your family’s risk of exposure. Because as you know, whether it’s you or your kids, being sick with colds and flu is never fun.
To help reduce you and your family’s risk of catching a cold or flu:
✔️ Wash hands regularly with soap and water and dry them thoroughly
✔️ Avoid sharing cups/glasses, dishes and cutlery
✔️ Consider immune health supplements like zinc
Explore the DEMAZIN® range of cold and flu products to help provide relief from symptoms of colds and flu for you and your family.
Frequently asked questions about cold and flu symptoms
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The common cold usually lasts somewhere between 7 to 10 days.
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Yes. Cough is a symptom often associated with colds and flu.
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While there may be similarities in symptoms between a cold and seasonal allergies, you should always follow the directions for use of any treatment and read the product label before purchase. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for more information.
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There are some studies that suggest supporting your immune system can help prevent or combat colds and flu. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for more information.
