Winter is here and with that comes the inevitable season of flu and cold. Everyone has their own beliefs and notions about how to avoid them, how to treat them, and what causes them. But not everything we hear or read is true.

In this article, we aim to bust seven of the most common myths related to flu and cold and provide some accurate information on how to handle them so you can stay healthy this winter.

Myth 1: Wearing a jacket or coat outside will prevent flu and colds

A common belief is that being exposed to cold weather leads to catching flu and colds. However, the truth is that flu and cold are caused by viruses that thrive in warm environments such as your nose and throat.

Wearing a coat or jacket may prevent hypothermia but, it does not protect you from the flu or cold.

Myth 2: Going outside with wet hair causes flu and colds

It is another popular myth that going outside with wet hair after a shower increases your chances of catching flu and colds.

The reality is that being in the cold weather doesn’t cause flu and colds; rather, it is the viruses that cause flu and colds that are responsible for catching them. While wet hair may make you feel cold, it won’t necessarily put you at risk of getting the flu and cold.

Myth 3: Antibiotics are the best treatment for flu and colds

Antibiotics do not work against viruses, so they’re useless against flu and cold. Antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections, but it is worth noting that antibiotics should be taken only when prescribed by a doctor.

Using antibiotics without any relevant prescription can lead to antibiotic resistance that makes antibiotics less effective over time.

Myth 4: Chicken soup is the ultimate cure for flu and colds

It has been a common belief, passed on from our grandparents, that chicken soup has curative powers for flu and colds. Though chicken soup is not a cure for flu and colds, it can provide some relief by decreasing nasal mucus and reducing inflammation.

Chicken soup is an excellent source of many nutrients and minerals, which helps in strengthening the immune system to work against infections.

Myth 5: Vitamin C prevents flu and colds

Vitamin C is beneficial for the body’s immune system, and it can help heal from infections, but taking a vitamin supplement does not guarantee prevention of flu and colds.

Generally, a healthy, balanced diet will provide all the necessary nutrients needed for optimal health. Meanwhile, proper hygiene and precautions reduce the risk of catching flu and cold.

Myth 6: Flu shot can give you flu

A common myth is that getting a flu shot will give you the flu. This is not true since the vaccine is made from an inactivated or dead flu virus that cannot cause the illness.

If you experience flu-like symptoms after taking the vaccine, those symptoms are likely a reaction to the shot or a sign of coming into contact with another virus.

Myth 7: Green or yellow mucus is a sign of bacterial infection

While green or yellow nasal discharge is an indicator of a sinus infection, it is not necessarily a result of bacterial infection.

Mucus can turn color as a reaction of the body’s immune system to illness, and color change can also happen as a result of dead white blood cells or food particles in the mucus.

Conclusion

This article served to underline and debunk seven common myths regarding flu and colds. It is essential to separate the facts from the fictions, and as always, prevention is better than cure.

The best way to avoid the flu and colds is following proper hygiene, eating a balanced diet, getting sufficient sleep, and taking precautions like getting a flu shot.