Cold and Flu Fables
Cold and Flu Myths
Christina Parrella
Don't Catch a Cold
Grandma and mom have it all wrong. It's time you learned the truth about those old wives' tales about feeding a fever and starving a cold. These nasty cold creations and flu fables have no scientific backing and we'll prove it by debunking these classic myths.
Unzipped Jacket
Ever come down with a nasty winter bug and think it was because you didn't have your jacket zipped up? Well you're wrong. Dr. Wallace Carter, Director of Emergency Medicine Residency Program at New York Presbyterian Hospital says this myth, like many others, is scientifically invalid. Catching a cold or the flu may be more common during the fall and winter seasons, but it has nothing to do with exposure to cold weather, or having your jacket open.
Wet Hair
Just because you leave your house with your hair wet doesn't mean you're going to get sick. The common cold and flu are caused by viruses, not by exposure to cold air or going out with wet hair, Dr. Carter explains.
Flu Shot
One of the biggest myths around is that the flu shot will give you the virus it's supposed to protect you against -- but it won't. One thing to keep in mind is the vaccine takes two to four weeks to work, therefore you are still vulnerable during this time. The flu changes each season but there are only a few variations of it, so Dr. Carter encourages the vaccination for high levels of immunity.
Vitamin C
Many people think that taking large doses of vitamin C can prevent you from catching a cold or the flu during winter months. It is important to get your daily dose of vitamin C, but don't overdo it. There is no evidence that chomping down on extra vitamin C during the cold season will be able to cure your sniffles, sneezes and drips. For an orange treat, try this Mongolian Strawberry-Orange Juice Smoothie.
Chicken Soup
Chicken soup gets a better rap than it should. This popular home remedy works because its ingredients (water, salt, chicken and noodles) fuel your body the best when you're sick. Unfortunately, when it comes to the flu or a cold, chicken soup has no medical influence over either virus. "Grandma is good, but she's not that good," Dr. Carter says. Chicken soup is best for soothing a scratchy throat or easing a phlegmy cough, but not curing a cold.
Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever
Is it feed a fever and starve a cold or the other way around? Either way, if you feel sick, don't choose one of these extremities as your guide to wellness. Your body needs more fluids when you're sick so drink plenty of water and juice and eat sensibly so that you satisfy your appetite. Hydration and rest are the best methods of recuperation for your body, according to Dr. Carter.
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Carriemb1978 06:21:35 AM Nov 06 2009
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Carriemb1978 06:21:11 AM Nov 06 2009
When I was young, I had a severe reaction to the flu shot and haven't had one since. I prefer to use less harmful prevention methods and they seem to work well for me. Probiotics have been proven to improve immune function and help you and your loved ones avoid colds and the flu and can even help you to prevent more serious diseases. They also lower your cholesterol and improve heart function. We use <br><a href="Http://cli.gs/biodigest" rel="nofollow">Http://cli.gs/biodigest</a> and we stay pretty healthy that way.
HRCatman 11:21:47 AM Nov 01 2009
I'm sorry but I don't agree that you have "debunked" these old "myths". You have merely offered the opinions of a physician. She does not cite any scientific studies or statistics regarding the source of her opinions. This does not constitute "debunking".(signed) Another physician.
ICU812RUOK 12:19:23 PM Oct 16 2009
The "going outside with wet hair doesn't cause colds" is a bunch of BS. Happens to me every time. I even catch a cold if it's just recently been dried. Give your hair plenty of time to dry even after blow-drying ... going outside with freshly washed hair definitely makes you sick!!
Simzillyjp 03:26:41 AM Sep 28 2009
All things mentioned in this article will cause cancer.
Simzillyjp 03:26:30 AM Sep 28 2009
All things mentioned in this article will cause cancer.
watchcd 10:44:46 PM Sep 27 2009
Having your hair wet may not cause a viral influenza infection but it might give you a runny or stuffy nose and cause you to sneeze, which is also called a cold in common parlance
Tonykergs 07:13:16 PM Sep 27 2009
The writer and guy who was the"medical expert" are, in my opinion, hacks. I have been a nurse for 30 years and have read numerous articles on the benifit of Chicken Noodle soup (good old Campbells is best). It seems the theory is that the salt is drawn into the cell of the virus and encourages the virus to draw in additional fluid by osmotic action which eventually bloats the cell beyond it's capability to reproduce and/or destroys it (the same reason if you eat too many potato chips your hands and legs swell). There seems to also be a benifit with the chicken protein in attaching the sodium (salt) to the virus. In other words, if you start feeling poorly, slow down, rest, eat your chicken soup and calorie load, and in less time than if you don't do these things you will feel better.As for getting a cold or the flu when you go out without a jacket or with hair that is wet: If you are already harboring bacteria or viruses (which we all are all the time) which your body has kept in check
Tonykergs 07:10:37 PM Sep 27 2009
Thewriter and guy who was the"medical expert" are, in my opinion, hacks. I have been a nurse for 30 years and have read numerous articles on the benifit of Chicken Noodle soup (good old Campbells is best). It seems the theory is that the salt is drawn into the cell of the virus and encourages the virus to draw in additional fluid by osmotic action which eventually bloats the cell beyond it's capability to reproduce and/or destroys it (the same reason if you eat too many potato chips your hands and legs swell). There seems to also be a benifit with the chicken protein in attaching the sodium (salt) to the virus. Another words, if you start feeling poorly, slow down, rest, eat your chicken soup and calorie load, and in less time than if you don't do these things you will feel better.As for getting a cold or the flu when you go out without a jacket or with hair that is wet: If you are already harboring bacteria or viruses (which we all are all the time) which your body has kept in check
GLesh52262 07:09:43 PM Sep 27 2009
My Father, Aunts and Uncles along with most family members have lived from 97 to 102 and the 102 is still living,Their advise was always change clothes when wet as soon as possible. Try to maintain your body temp. to prevent colds and other sickness. that seem to result from being wet and chilled. I have followed this advise and I do well at 71. Their diet was difficult if you didn't like veg. and fruit including cooked onions and turnip tops.
