“Make sure to wear a jacket or you’ll catch a cold.” Most of us probably remember our mother or grandmother giving us this piece of well-worn advice. But can you really catch a cold simply by not being dressed warmly enough?
On average, adults suffer through 1-3 colds each year, and that number is even higher for children. Keep reading to discover popular myths about the common cold, and more importantly, how you can avoid a case of the sniffles this winter.
True or False?
Myth #1 Going outside in chilly weather without a jacket or with wet hair can cause a cold.
Truth: Colds are caused by viruses (there are over 200 of them!), not by going out in cold weather without a jacket. While it’s true that more people suffer from colds in fall and winter, that’s because we tend to be indoors more during the cold weather months which puts us in closer contact with others who might be sick. The most common transmission method is through bodily fluids, such as when people who are sick sneeze, cough or blow their nose.
Myth #2 Feed a Cold; Starve a Fever
Truth: Neither feeding a cold or starving a fever offers any benefit. If you don’t feel well, eating may not be on the top of your list. And that’s OK. However, it is important to stay well-hydrated when you are ill.
Myth #3 Taking High Doses of Vitamin C can help protect you from a cold
Truth: There have been many studies on the effects of Vitamin C and colds, but there is no concrete evidence that Vitamin C helps prevent colds.
What about Echinacea, an herbal supplement many swear by? Some studies suggest that Echinacea might help treat colds if taken early in the illness. Other studies show that Echinacea has no effect.
Regardless, taking Vitamin C and Echinacea can’t hurt and may help symptoms if taken in moderate amounts.
Myth #4 Taking an Antibiotic can’t hurt you and it might even help.
Truth: Antibiotics don’t kill viruses, so they won’t relieve a cold. They may be helpful if you develop a bacterial complication, such as sinusitis or an ear infection. However, it’s important not to use antibiotics unless you really need them. The more often you take antibiotics, the more likely you are to carry resistant germs that will require even stronger antibiotics to kill.
Myth #5 Over-the-Counter cold medicines will help you recover faster
Truth: Decongestants and cough suppressants may ease some symptoms, but they won’t shorten an actual cold. Zinc lozenges or syrup may shorten cold symptoms by about two days, but they have side effects. At best, most cold remedies make the cold easier to live with.
Tips to Avoid a Cold This Winter
- Wash your hands! Probably the most important thing you can do to stop the spread of germs is to simply wash your hands, thoroughly and often, with soap and water. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Don’t share. Don’t share drinking glasses or utensils with other family members. Use your own glass or disposable cups when you or someone else is sick.
- Use tissues. Sneeze and cough into tissues. Discard used tissues right away, then thoroughly wash your hands. If you are wearing a mask, discard the mask and replace it with a clean one.
- Disinfect your space. Clean kitchen and bathroom countertops with disinfectant, especially when someone in your family has a cold. Be diligent about wiping down doorknobs and frequently touched surfaces.
- Practice social distancing and safe behaviors. Avoid close contact with anyone who is ill, and if you are the one who’s sick, stay home.
- Take care of yourself. Eating well, getting exercise and enough sleep, and managing stress are all good habits that will boost your immune system and help keep you healthy.
All of these healthy tips will help you avoid a cold this winter – and all year ’round.
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