Those colds that you’re seeing represent common symptoms of many viruses (metapneumovirus, paraflu, influenza, rhinovirus, RSV, etc, etc ... and many of these have multiple subtypes which can be concurrently circulating). In other words, you’re noticing common symptoms not necessarily the same virus.

> Those colds that you’re seeing represent common symptoms of many viruses

And not just that. I have a septum deviation, so I basically have a runny nose all winter long, even though, most of the time, no viruses are involved.

It's worth fixing that, surgery has come a long way. I had it surgically corrected last year and the energy boost from better breathing while physically active, better sleeping, and the lack of annoying people with my snoring are well worth it.

Can't agree enough.

Even directly after surgery, with all the related inflammation and dried blood and gross up there, I immediately noticed a massive airflow difference.

Do it.

I've read that you can carry it for 1-2 weeks without showing symptoms. That might significantly change how the virus spreads compared to flu.

Peak cold symptoms last about 3 days. I never said 50% of the population have the same cold at once. 50% catching it over a 6 month period is very reasonable.