Cold and Flu Facts
We all look forward to spending time with our friends and loved ones whenever we can, whether it’s during the holiday period or simply for a weekend catch-up. But during these gatherings, it’s important to make sure we don’t let uninvited guests ruin the enjoyment.
Read on to learn more about colds and flu and how they are spread.
Cold and flu at a glance
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Feeling weak and tired
For those who have been diagnosed with the flu, they may also have a fever, as well as muscle aches and pains.2,3
Caused by:
The common cold and influenza (flu) are both respiratory illnesses caused by viruses.1,2 The two illnesses cause similar symptoms, though people who have the flu tend to get more unwell than those suffering from a common cold.2
Spread by:
While the viruses responsible for the common cold and flu are different, they are both transmitted through tiny droplets of moisture, created when people with the illness cough or sneeze.1,2 This unfortunately means that they have plenty of opportunity to jump from person to person when we are at large gatherings with our friends and loved ones.
Symptoms include:1-3
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Feeling weak and tired
For those who have been diagnosed with the flu, they may also have a fever, as well as muscle aches and pains.2,3
Lasts for:
Most people will get over the worst of the common cold and flu in a few days and recover in a week or so.1,2
Routinely cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
Areas that are high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, elevator buttons, phones, toilets and sinks, have a higher risk of harbouring germs and require regular cleaning.4,5 Try using the following Dettol products to help kill germs and viruses:
- Dettol Disinfectant Wipes: Kills 99.9% of germs.* Also kills flu viruses** and the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) virus on household surfaces.*Kills E. coli, Salmonella and S. aureus. **Kills Influenza A H1N1 & H3N2
- Dettol Tru Clean Antibacterial Multipurpose Cleaner: Made with a plant-based ingredient to kill 99.9% of germs/bacteria† and Cold & Flu Viruses.†† Also kills the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) virus on household surfaces†S. aureus, Salmonella, Ps. Aeruginosa, E. coli. ††Influenza A (H1N1, H3N2) viruses, human rhinovirus (leading cause of common cold).
- Dettol Antibacterial Household Grade Disinfectant: Kills germs^ on household surfaces and also kills SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 virus)^Ps. Aeruginosa, S. aureus, E. hirae and E. coli. Also kills SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 virus).
In addition, washing your hands is one of the most effective ways to help prevent the spread of germs. Make sure you’re thoroughly washing them for 20 seconds with soap and water.6,7
- Dettol Disinfectant Wipes: Kills 99.9% of germs.* Also kills flu viruses** and the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) virus on household surfaces.*Kills E. coli, Salmonella and S. aureus. **Kills Influenza A H1N1 & H3N2
- Dettol Tru Clean Antibacterial Multipurpose Cleaner: Made with a plant-based ingredient to kill 99.9% of germs/bacteria† and Cold & Flu Viruses.†† Also kills the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) virus on household surfaces†S. aureus, Salmonella, Ps. Aeruginosa, E. coli. ††Influenza A (H1N1, H3N2) viruses, human rhinovirus (leading cause of common cold).
- Dettol Antibacterial Household Grade Disinfectant: Kills germs^ on household surfaces and also kills SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 virus)^Ps. Aeruginosa, S. aureus, E. hirae and E. coli. Also kills SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 virus).
In addition, washing your hands is one of the most effective ways to help prevent the spread of germs. Make sure you’re thoroughly washing them for 20 seconds with soap and water.6,7
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.