DID YOU KNOW?

Who is Most Likely to Suffer?

A child's immune system is not as developed as an adult's; children therefore suffer colds and flu more frequently than adults. People with lowered immune systems will also be at higher risk of catching colds and flu.

There is also evidence that a lack of sleep can make you more likely to catch a cold or flu¹. Click here to learn which noises people find most disturbing, including new advice from sleep expert Dr David Lewis on getting a good night's sleep.

Cold weather does not cause colds, as is often thought. However colds are more common when the weather is cold because people tend to congregate indoors, helping the virus to spread. Therefore, spending time in a crowded place, such as a tube train might increase the likelihood of catching a cold or flu. Click here to read more about how fast germs can spread on the underground.

See our top tips on staying healthy to avoid colds and flu.

References:
1) 13th January 2009 - Lack of sleep 'raises cold risk' http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7823599.stm [date accessed: 29/10/09]

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