Here are some interesting facts from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:
1. About 1 billion cases per year occur in Americans, or about 3-4 per person per year.
2. Children average 6-8 infections per year, younger adults average 3-4 infections per year, while older adults average 1-2 infections per year.
3. The average cold lasts 7 to 11 days.
4. Cough is the leading reason why patients visit physicians. This equates into 29.5 million Americans each year.
5. More than 200 viruses can cause a cold. Rhinovirus is the most cause.
6. Sneezes average about 100 mph.
7. The economic impact of colds is estimated to be about $40 billion per year, with $20 billion from lost work.
There you have it. This is why there are so many cough and cold medications available.