Frequency U.S. adults caught colds within the last year 2017, by age
According to a recent Statista survey around 64 percent of those aged 18 to 30 years caught a cold 1 to 3 times in the past year. The common cold is a viral infection that affects the nose and throat and usually lasts from 1 week to 10 days. Common symptoms can include a runny nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, and sneezing.
Treatment
There is no cure for the common cold and antibiotics are not effective, so treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, decongestants and cough syrups are common treatments as well as home remedies such as drinking plenty of fluids and resting. According to a survey from Statista, the most common remedies for the common cold include, sleeping, eating soup, drinking tea, and staying home.
Prevention
The common cold is extremely contagious but commonsense measures can be taken to reduce one’s risk of contracting it. Measures to prevent the cold include regularly washing hands, using disinfectant, avoiding those who are sick, and generally eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Even though the common cold is contagious and burdensome, around 40 percent of adults in the U.S. reported they went to work when they were sick within the last year.
Treatment
There is no cure for the common cold and antibiotics are not effective, so treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, decongestants and cough syrups are common treatments as well as home remedies such as drinking plenty of fluids and resting. According to a survey from Statista, the most common remedies for the common cold include, sleeping, eating soup, drinking tea, and staying home.
Prevention
The common cold is extremely contagious but commonsense measures can be taken to reduce one’s risk of contracting it. Measures to prevent the cold include regularly washing hands, using disinfectant, avoiding those who are sick, and generally eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep. Even though the common cold is contagious and burdensome, around 40 percent of adults in the U.S. reported they went to work when they were sick within the last year.
