Colds are a common ailment that everyone experiences at some point. However, with so many myths surrounding cold treatment, it can be hard to know what information to trust.

In this article, we’ll burst some of the most common cold treatment myths to help you better recover when you next catch a cold.

Myth 1: Antibiotics Can Treat a Cold

Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections. Colds are caused by viruses, and antibiotics have no effect on them whatsoever.

Taking antibiotics can actually be harmful because they can increase your risk of developing antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections in the future. Always consult a doctor before taking antibiotics.

Myth 2: You Should Avoid Dairy Products When You Have a Cold

There’s no scientific evidence to support the idea that dairy products make your cold worse or cause you to produce more mucus. In general, you should eat and drink whatever you feel like when you have a cold.

If you find that dairy products worsen your symptoms, avoid them, but otherwise, feel free to enjoy your cheese, milk, and yogurt.

Myth 3: You Should Sweat It Out

You might think that sweating it out through exercise or sitting in a sauna is a good way to get rid of a cold, but this isn’t true. In fact, pushing yourself too hard or becoming dehydrated can worsen your symptoms and make your cold last longer.

If you feel up to it, light exercise can help you feel better, but don’t overdo it.

Myth 4: Vitamin C Can Prevent a Cold

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that helps keep your immune system healthy, but it won’t prevent you from catching a cold.

However, taking vitamin C supplements or consuming vitamin C-rich foods and drinks might help shorten the duration of your cold. Consult your doctor before taking supplements.

Myth 5: Zinc Can Cure a Cold

Like vitamin C, zinc won’t prevent you from getting a cold, but it may help reduce the duration and severity of your symptoms if you take it soon after they appear.

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Zinc lozenges are a popular form of zinc supplement for colds, but they can cause side effects such as nausea and a metallic taste in your mouth. Consult your doctor before taking supplements.

Myth 6: Chicken Soup Is a Cure-All

Chicken soup is a well-known home remedy for colds, but it isn’t a cure-all. In fact, any warm liquid such as tea or broth can help soothe your throat and alleviate congestion.

Chicken soup might also be beneficial because it contains protein and other nutrients that your body needs to recover.

Myth 7: Antibacterial Soap Is Better Than Regular Soap

While antibacterial soap might seem like the best choice when you have a cold, regular soap is just as effective in killing cold viruses and bacteria on your hands.

Plus, some antibiotics can contribute to antibiotic resistance in the long term, so it’s best to avoid them unless you really need them.

Myth 8: You Can’t Catch a Cold During the Summer Months

Contrary to popular belief, you can catch a cold at any time of the year, not just during the winter months.

Colds are caused by viruses, and you can catch them whenever you come into contact with someone who has a viral infection, regardless of the season. So always practice good hygiene and take care of your immune system year-round.

Myth 9: Your Nose Running Means You Have a Cold

While a runny nose is a common symptom of a cold, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have one. Allergies, sinus infections, and even changes in temperature can cause your nose to run.

So if you have other cold symptoms such as a sore throat or cough, you might have a cold, but if your nose is the only symptom, it could be something else.