In this article, we uncover colds and flus facts to increase your knowledge about
colds and flus. Not only do we show you colds and flus facts, we also take a humorous look at curing a cold. Increase your cold and
flu knowledge today!
- A cough releases an explosive charge of air that moves at speeds up to 60 mph.
- A sneeze can exceed the speed of 100 mph.
- With only 30 seconds' of use, a handkerchief has been found to contain 15,000 germs.
- During the Spanish Flu of 1918 public gatherings were banned in some cities and residents were required to wear masks; breaking the ban could result in a fine or jail time. The epidemic eventually killed 20-40 million people worldwide.
- Colds are caused by over 200 different viruses, and they are not the same viruses that cause the flu.
On the flip side, we thought you might enjoy reading some light-hearted advice on curing a cold from 20th century humorist Robert Benchley. Here are his "Rules for Avoiding the Common Head Cold":
- Don't breathe through your mouth or your nose
- Avoid Crowds. A good way to do that is to stay in your room all day with the door locked.
- Get plenty of sleep. If you feel drowsy at work just put your head on the desk and take a little nap. Your boss will understand if you put a sign by your elbow that says, "Man (or woman) asleep. Cold Prevention."
- Stay in temperature between 60 and 70 degrees. This can be done by boarding a train bound for Palm Beach and lying on the beach for a month or so.
- Eat a balanced diet. No starches, proteins or carbs. Just a good steak, potatoes and asparagus every now and then during the day.
- If you think you've caught a cold. call in a good doctor. Call in three good doctors and play cards.
- Above all, don't catch cold!
Of course, we do not condone ANY of these suggestions, but we thought you might appreciate a little humor in your state of health!
adapted from "From Bed to Worse: Or Comforting Thoughts about the Bison," Robert Benchley, Harper 1934
