Myths of the Common Cold

• Myth1: You need a weakened immune system to catch a cold

  Healthy people with normal immune system are highly susceptible to the common cold virus. To get a cold, you don't need a weakened immune system. In studies involving volunteers, 95% became infected when the virus is dropped to the nose. 75% of them developed symptoms while 25% have no symptoms. The reason why still remains a mystery.

• Myth2: Usage of central heating helps cold infections

  It is believed that central heating dries the mucus membrane of the nose and this helps develop the symptoms for the common cold. In reality, common cold infection do not need the help of a dry mucus membrane. Futhermore, studies have shown that even when the nose feel dry, the mucus membrane continues to normally.

• Myth3: Exposure to cold temperature helps develop common cold symptoms

  A study shows that being cold does not increase the chance of getting the common cold.

• Myth4: Having cold symptoms is beneficial since it helps you get over a cold, so treatment is not needed

  As being said in Myth1, 25% infected do not develop cold symptoms, and yet they get over the disease like those who have symptoms. Sneezing and nose blowing, help clear the nose of blockage but does not eliminate the virus as it multiplies in the nose where it is safe. Both actions only help spread the virus. Therefore, do not forget to consume treatments prescribed by your doctor which can help relieve some of its symptoms.

• Myth5: Drinking milk increases nasal mucus

  Milk do look like mucus. Milk is digested like any other protein is not specifically converted into nasal mucus. Therefore it is safe to drink milk when having a cold.

• Myth6: Eat in excess during cold

  There are no scientific evidence that proves excess eating help treat colds.

• Myth7: Antibiotics

  Antibiotics only helps kill bacteria, not virus. Therefore, do not use antibiotics unless rare complications such as bronchitis, sinusitis, or even ear infections happen. Overuse of antibiotics have side effects.

• Myth8: Steam

  Inhaling steam may relieve nasal congestion, but health experts found out that this approach is not a effective cold treatment

• Myth9: Vitamin C

  Most people are convinced that large quantities of vitamin C prevent colds or relieve symptoms. Although vitamin C may reduce severity and duration of common cold, there is no clear evidence. However, Vitamin C is known to improve the immune system. Too much vitamin C, like any other vitamins, can cause side effects.

References

CommonCold.org

_{©Common Cold Squad Last updated on: 25 March 2008}