Myths and Facts

Myths

Bad advice can be worse than no advice
These myths and misconceptions are as common as any common cold or flu. And there are, of course, many home remedies that aren’t on this list. But the best way to truly protect you from cold and flu viruses is to know the facts, not the legends. Oh, and wash your hands often.

The weather

There is no evidence that you can get a cold or flu from the weather. People tend to get sick more often in the winter months not because of cold temperatures, but because we spend more time indoors in close contact with infected people.

Vitamin C

Although this is one of the more commonly accepted myths, there are no proven claims that ingesting Vitamin C helps to deter or treat a cold of flu. Still, it is rarely disputed by medical professionals simply because it encourages the consumption of fluids, as well as the minimum daily requirement of Vitamin C.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are used to kill bacteria, but a virus is the cause of the common cold and flu. Antibiotics may be used to treat complications that result from an infection, but not the viral infection itself.

Steam

Inhaling steam may temporality relieve symptoms of congestion or the drying of mucousmembranes, but it is not a recommended way to treat symptoms.

Feed a cold and starve a fever/flu

Wrong on both cases. When suffering from a cold or flu infection, ingesting plenty of fluids is the key to recovery. And, when possible, always eat enough to keep up your strength.

Flu shots can cause flu infection

The flu vaccine is made from a dead flu virus, so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. There may be soreness surrounding the injection area. And, rarely, some who receive a flu shot will experience minor muscle aches, but contracting an actual flu infection from a flu shot is not a possibility.

Herbal remedies

Echinacea, zinc lozenges, and other herbs have a reputation for preventing or treating a cold or flu, but none has ever been proven.

Chicken soup

Chicken soup could be the most common home remedy for treating a cold or flu, but, in fact, many soups could worsen symptoms due to their high sodium content which complicates dehydration.

Hot toddies/brandy

The bottom line is that any alcoholic beverage should be avoided when you’re sick.

Facts

Your best defense is a good offense
Understanding the facts about cold and flu viral infection is key to keeping healthy or, when infected, preventing the virus from spreading to your family and friends. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the facts about flu and cold viruses, and also learn about the many myths behind treating infection.

How are cold and flu viruses spread?

Viruses spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, expelling viral-infected droplets several feet. These viruses can also live on any object that comes in contact with an infected person. Objects such as door handles, telephones, towels, and silverware can spread a virus days after being contaminated. Touching your nose, mouth or eyes after handling an object contaminated by a virus will likely infect you. A person infected with a flu virus can spread the infection days before symptoms emerge, as well as up to a week later.

Is there any treatment once infected?

Plenty of rest and fluid intake is your best treatment once infected. Contac® can help alleviate the symptoms that come from cold and flu infections. Symptoms will vary, so make sure to test the Contac® that’s right for you.

How can you prevent the flu?

Get a flu shot every year. Practice good hygiene, such as covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Wash your hands often – it’s one of the best ways to avoid catching, or spreading the viruses you come in contact with. Stay home from work or school when you are sick.Properly dispose of tainted tissues. Never share glassware or silverware with infected persons.

Sources:

WebMD Health Zone, WebMD Medical reference, www.flufacts.com, www.everybody.co.nz

Note: this is not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Consult a doctor or healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis of the flu or a cold.