When I first started flying I was averaging around 6 or 7 colds a year with accompanying ear problems....infact was spending most of my life half deaf and on antibiotics.
After 8 years things have improved...(maybe once or twice a year...)apparently there are only around 250 cold viruses (any medical professionals out there please feel free to correct me!) and once you've suffered through them you have immunity....
As for warding off infection I always have a handy pump of that hospital style hand gel at the ready...can't vouch for it working but certainly makes me feel better when a punter hands me one of there used tissues to dispose of....
