Common Cold Trivia

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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.

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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