Well, a London doctor is warning that the vuvuzela could also spread colds and flu germs.

BBC: 10 things about the vuvuzela

Coughing is one of the most common symptoms of colds and flu and other respiratory tract infections.

CNN: Mystery cough? 8 possible culprits

But how much do we actually know about how colds and flu spread - for example how many others does one cold sufferer infect?

BBC: Colds and flu remain mysterious

The other symptoms that accompany colds and flu, such as stuffy nose and a fever, are telltale signs that a viral infection is causing your cough.

CNN: Mystery cough? 8 possible culprits

But nurses working for NHS Direct Wales also deal with non life-threatening Category C calls to the ambulance service - such as minor injuries or colds and flu symptoms - which ambulances have a target to reach within 30 minutes.

BBC: NHS Direct Wales 'turned off' for 999 calls, Unison claims

The NHS in Northamptonshire is asking people with symptoms of colds, flu and winter sickness not to visit hospitals over the festive period.

BBC: NHS Northamptonshire self care plea for winter bug

Dannon will stop claiming that Activia relieves irregularity and that DanActive helps people avoid catching colds or the flu.

FORBES: Food, Fraud And The Feds