True and false about the common cold
How can I keep from catching a cold, and if I do, what's the best way to treat it?
Q: How can I keep from catching a cold, and if I do, what's the best way to treat it?
A: There are a lot of beliefs on this topic, so let's look at a few:
Spending too much time outdoors or going outside while wet in the winter increases your odds of getting a cold.
False. Cold viruses are airborne, and we catch them only from others who are infected. When we spend more time indoors in the winter - close to others - we're more likely to pick up a virus.
Antibiotics will make a cold go away faster.
False. Because colds are viruses, an antibiotic (which kills bacteria) won't do anything to treat a cold.
Stress increases your chances of catching a cold.
Maybe. Stress may lower your immune response, which could lead to more cold-related complications. But it's still unclear whether stress makes you more susceptible to catching a cold.
If you don't have a fever, you're not contagious.
False. Those with a cold are most contagious at the virus' beginning stages, when they may or may not be showing symptoms.
Flying on an airplane may increase your chances of getting a cold.
True. Again, cold viruses are airborne, so anytime you're in a crowd, it may increase your risk.
Chicken soup and tea with honey are good medicine for colds.
Probably true. There is increasing evidence that hot liquids and honey help mobilize the anti-inflammatory cells in your body. At the very least, they're soothing.
In the winter, catching cold is inevitable.
False. There are lots of ways to boost your immune system and ward off viruses, including getting seven to nine hours of sleep daily; diligent hand-washing; moderate exercise; good nutrition, including the RDA of zinc; eating foods rich in garlic, and staying hydrated.
Kristen Berry, D.O., is a family-medicine physician at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
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