Getting cold is one of the worst and most uncomfortable things. While having a cold, one cannot focus or concentrate on the work. Maybe you have heard many things from your parents and grandparents about avoiding the cold, but this advice might not be authentic as most are based on myths and not scientific research. So, in this article, we will tell you about some common cold myths that you should not start falling now.
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Various myths in our society don’t go outside with wet hair and more like that, which are just common cold myths, and you should avoid believing them. We will also tell you some of the best alternatives for the common cold. So, let’s dive into the article and learn about the common cold myths and the best health tips for combating the cold.
Common Cold Myths: Antibiotics Treat a Cold
Some famous health experts have said that antibiotics work well in curing infections caused by bacteria. Still, colds result from viral infections, and antibiotics do not perform well in curing viral infections. They work by killing the bacteria or slowing down their growth and help with strep throat, bronchitis, and ear infections. So if you are trying to get more and more anti biotics for common cold then it can not help you, moreover it can lead you some other side effects, if you are eating them more frequently.
Myth: Vitamin C Prevents Colds
One of the common cold myths includes vitamin C, which helps cure the common cold, but there is not much evidence of that. Some studies have suggested that vitamin C has performed well in reducing the duration of colds in some people, but still, if you have kidney problems or are pregnant, consuming large doses of vitamin C can cause gastrointestinal upset. So, you should avoid taking Vitamin C without consulting your health experts.
Myth: Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever
One of the common cold myths includes Feed a Cold Starve a Fever. Health experts suggest that one should rest and hydrate. If you are not feeling like eating or having a running fever, you should keep yourself hydrated and have electrolytes and fluids in your hands. If you are non-vegetarian, you can go for chicken soup, which is easily digestible protein and will provide you proper steam while keeping you hydrated, which all helps to heal colds.
Myth: Going Outside With Wet Hair Will Give You a Cold
One of the pervasive cold myths says that going outside with wet hair can cause you cold and fever. However, experts say that going outside with cold hair might result in you feeling cold but is not a contributor to cold or any fever. When you contact someone with a cold, these bacteria and viruses cause a cold or fever. But still, when going outside, cover yourself with warm clothes to avoid exposure to cold and protect yourself from the harsh climate.
Myth: Consuming Dairy Foods Means More Mucus
It is one of the common cold myths that dairy products can make the mucus thicker, and it might not suit the stomach of people having a fever. But this is not entirely true at all. As per experts, dairy products are not responsible for the growth of mucus, and some people with sore throats find it shooting when they consume frozen cold dairy products like yogurt or popsicles.
Myth: Colds Don’t Cause Fevers, Only Flu Does
There are some common cold myths that cold does not bring fever and only flu does. This is not entirely true. Different viruses cause the flu and the cold and can have the same symptoms. There is a chance that you might or might not feel a fever or achy or tired during both cold and the flu. However, fever is a defense mechanism of one’s body to fight foreign invaders.
Myth: You Can’t Do Much to Prevent Colds
There are common cold myths that you can’t do more to prevent colds, but with certain precautions, you can prevent or lower the chances of getting the common cold. One should take extra precautions during winter because people get caught with more colds and fevers. So here are some ways to prevent and reduce cold during winter.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap to prevent exposure to bacteria and viruses.
- Clean the commonly used things with disinfectants, such as tables, toys, and counters.
- Keep yourself hydrated.
- Eat healthy, nutrient-rich, well-balanced food to support your immune system against viruses and bacteria.
- Have a constant enough sleep schedule.
- Keep yourself away from people having an infection.
So, these common cold myths generally prevail in our society, and we must stop spreading them. Instead, we should focus on the science behind those myths to keep ourselves safe from the cold. So now you do not know the myths and facts of the common cold. So take steps accordingly and enjoy the winter season properly without much tension.
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