The common cold is one of the most widespread illnesses in the world. The average person catches a cold two to four times a year, according to Brown University in the US. In Australia, the flu hospitalises around 15,000 people a year, and causes an alarming 2,500 deaths a year, according to the Queensland government. While preventing a cold and flu attack may be an uphill battle, there are practical steps we can all take to reduce the risk of infection, and minimise the severity of colds and flu. By Katy Moore.