Top 10 Myths About the Common Cold
It is true that cold and flu season tends to erupt in fall and winter, when people spend more time indoors and come into close contact with others who may be contagious. However, this isn’t because of the weather.
Neither is it because of dairy, or because of vitamin C, or because of echinacea. It’s just because viruses thrive in this environment.
1. It’s caused by a virus
The common cold is caused by a virus and it’s easy to spread. The virus causes inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the nose, mouth and throat. More than 200 different viruses can cause a cold, but rhinoviruses are the most common.
Colds are spread by breathing in droplets of fluid that contain the virus when someone sneezes or coughs. They can also be spread by touching objects that have the virus on them and then touching your nose, eyes or mouth. Children get more colds than adults because they are more likely to touch things that have the virus on them.
Antibiotics won’t help treat a cold because they only work against bacterial infections, not viral ones. Drinking plenty of fluids and getting enough sleep can help relieve symptoms. Also, avoiding smoking and other pollutants can reduce your chances of getting a cold.
2. It’s caused by a bacteria
Colds and flu are caused by viruses and not bacteria. But if you get a bacterial infection, antibiotics will help. But they won’t cure a cold or the flu.
Kids have more colds than adults because their immune systems aren’t as developed. They also spend more time in close contact with other kids at school and day care. They also don’t always cover their coughs and sneezes, or wash their hands as often.
Colds and the flu are spread through airborne droplets sneezed or coughed into the air by someone who is sick. The virus can then be inhaled by others. To help prevent colds and the flu, wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap. And if you do catch a cold or the flu, stay home from work or school. And drink lots of fluids.
3. It’s caused by a parasite
A parasite is a microscopic organism that lives in another organism, called a host. Parasites can range in size from single-celled to worms that are visible to the naked eye and can cause illnesses ranging from mild discomfort to debilitating illness and even death.
Although cold and flu symptoms can seem very similar, the two are different illnesses caused by different viruses. And while it’s true that the number of cold cases peaks during fall and winter, this is due to more people staying indoors and in close contact with each other, rather than because the cold weather itself causes the virus to circulate. Also, while vitamin C may help stave off some colds, there’s no evidence that high doses of it prevent or cure them. Plus, taking too much vitamin C can lead to severe diarrhea.
4. It’s caused by a fungus
There are many different herbs and natural remedies that claim to cure colds. However, the evidence behind these claims is often very weak. Drinking enough fluids and getting plenty of rest can help make you feel better.
The fungus that causes fungal infections like athlete’s foot is very different from the viruses that cause the common cold, flu and other respiratory illnesses. Fungi get their nutrition from organic matter and thrive in warm, moist environments. They can also spread to people through tiny air droplets that are released when someone sneezes or coughs.
Kids are the most frequent transmitters of viral diseases because they don’t always cover their mouth and nose when sneezing, have low hand hygiene and spend a lot of time together at school and daycare. Children and adults both tend to catch more colds in the fall and spring seasons than in winter.
5. It’s caused by a parasite
The common cold is not caused by a parasite. Parasites are organisms that live on or in another organism (called a host) and benefit from the host’s resources without giving any benefits in return.
It’s true that people with colds can spread the virus to others through airborne droplets coughed or sneezed out, or by touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching your mouth or eyes. But the only way to prevent getting a cold is by practicing good hand hygiene, staying away from sick people and washing hands regularly.
Many people use over-the-counter medications to treat cold and flu symptoms like runny noses, sore throats, headaches or sinus pain. But these OTC treatments can only alleviate symptoms, not cure them. Also, don’t give aspirin to children with fever — it can cause the potentially fatal illness Reye syndrome.
6. It’s caused by a virus
The common cold is a viral infection that causes symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, cough and watery eyes. It’s one of the most common illnesses in the world, with adults experiencing 2-3 colds per year and children even more.
More than 200 different viruses can cause a cold, but rhinoviruses are the most common, accounting for more than half of all cases. They can be spread through airborne droplets that are coughed or sneezed out by someone who has a cold and then inhaled by others.
Colds can also be spread by touching an infected person’s hands, and then putting them near your mouth or eyes. But being chilled does not make you more likely to catch a cold. The reason that most colds occur in the fall and winter is that people spend more time indoors, and are more likely to be exposed to other sick people.
7. It’s caused by a bacteria
Most colds are caused by a virus, specifically rhinovirus. They can cause a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, sneezing, and a low fever. Cold symptoms can last one to two weeks. Children and older adults may have colds that linger longer. If your symptoms linger for more than 10 days, talk to your healthcare provider.
The common cold is spread by airborne droplets that are coughed or sneezed into the air by a sick person and then inhaled by another person. It is also spread when someone touches a surface with a rhinovirus on it and then touch their nose or mouth. This is why it’s important to cover coughs and sneezes, wash hands often, and avoid touching your face.
8. It’s caused by a parasite
Fungi are microscopic organisms that live on and in your body. If these organisms overgrow, they can cause infections. They can be spread through the mouth, nose or cuts in the skin. These organisms can also infect the lungs and lead to serious infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
There’s no proof that taking high doses of vitamin C, zinc or echinacea will prevent a cold. However, these supplements may shorten the duration of a cold.
It’s important to wash your hands frequently and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Also, it’s a good idea to avoid crowded indoor spaces. This will help you avoid spreading viruses to others. In addition, you should cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow or into a tissue. This will help you reduce the amount of mucus you produce. It’s also important to drink plenty of fluids.
9. It’s caused by a fungus
Fungi (FUN-guy) are multicelled organisms that get their nutrition from plants, food and animals in damp and warm environments. Fungi rarely cause diseases in healthy people, but can be dangerous in those with weakened immune systems.
The cold virus is spread by airborne droplets coughed or sneezed out by the sick person. It can also be spread by touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching your nose or eyes.
There’s no way to prevent a cold, but washing your hands often with soap and using an alcohol hand sanitizer can help reduce the spread of germs. Eating enough and drinking plenty of fluids can keep the mucus in your nose and throat from drying out so it’s easier to clear. It’s also recommended that you avoid dairy while you have a cold as it can increase the mucus production.
10. It’s caused by a parasite
The common cold is one of the most common illnesses and causes more visits to healthcare providers and absences from work and school than any other illness. It is caused by a variety of viruses, but rhinoviruses are the most common cause of the common cold. You can avoid getting a cold by washing your hands often with soap and water, or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer. You can also reduce your risk by avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth and staying away from other sick people.
Antibiotics don’t work for the common cold because it is a virus, but they may help treat bacterial complications of the common cold, such as sinus or ear infections. Adequate fluid intake, good nutrition and rest can also strengthen your immune system. Avoiding stress and reducing exposure to tobacco smoke, mold and pollution can also prevent respiratory problems.
