10 Myths About the Cold & Flu

Despite numerous studies and vast education about the common cold and flu, several myths strongly influence choice of treatment of many individuals. Some myths are harmless, but there are a few that, if practiced, can result in the worsening of symptoms or hospitalization.

Myth: Cold weather causes the cold or flu.

Fact: Viruses cause the common cold and flu. Cases rise in the winter months because people tend to spend more time indoors. This increases the chance of contagious people spreading the virus through direct contact with another person or object carrying the virus.

Myth: Antibiotics will cure the cold and flu.

Fact: Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses. Since the cold and flu are both caused by viruses, antibiotics are ineffective.

Myth: If you catch a cold or flu, your immune system is weak.

Fact: The cold and flu viruses regularly attack most healthy people. Those with weakened immune systems can catch the cold or flu more easily, and their symptoms maybe more severe. The fact that you catch a cold or flu is NOT an indication of a weakened immune system.

Myth: Whiskey or brandy is a good treatment for a cold and makes you feel warmer.

Fact: Alcohol may make you feel warmer, but it actually lowers your core body temperature. Not only is alcohol ineffective in warding off the cold or flu, but, in cold environments, may hasten hypothermia.

Myth: Feed a cold, starve a fever.

Fact: The body needs nutrients when sick. Nutrients provide energy to fight infection. A lack of nutrients can cause symptoms to worsen.

Myth: The flu shot can cause you to catch the flu.

Fact: The flu vaccination contains inactivated viruses. An inactivated flu virus cannot cause the flu. You may feel a little under the weather, but that does not mean you have the flu. In fact, by avoiding the flu shot, you put yourself at risks of hospitalization. Over 200,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized each year due to the flu virus.

Myth: The flu shot weakens the immune system.

Fact: The healthy immune system comes into contact with hundreds of microorganisms each day. Many may become infectious. Everyday the immune system gets a good workout by these microorganisms. The flu shot is just another group of microorganisms for your immune system to fight.

Myth: Chicken soup cures the cold or flu.

Fact: Chicken soup is soothing to the throat and the steam may cause you to breathe easier, but there are no medicinal benefits. However, it will provide nutrients essential to getting well.

Myth: Milk causes increased mucus production.

Fact: Studies have shown that milk has no effect on mucus production, but, like chicken soup, will provide nutrients essential to recovery.

Myth: Air with low humidity will dry the mucous membranes, causing the body to be more susceptible to the invasion of the cold and flu viruses.

Fact: Cold and flu viruses thrive effectively enough to cause sickness in both wet and dry mucous membranes.

Before you try and home remedies, discuss it with your health care provider. Be skeptical of notions that contradict medical advice. Putting a cold or flu myth into practice may result in you losing out on valuable winter productivity and fun.