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| The truth behind those myths |
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Over the years many myths have formed
regarding common colds and flu, based on people's perceptions and passed
via word of mouth. The chart below explains the truth about these common
myths.
Myth - Common colds, flu, most coughs and most sore throats require
antibiotics.
Fact - Common colds, flu, most coughs and some sore throats are caused by
viruses and are not treatable with antibiotics.
Myth - Common colds are caused by the flu virus (influenza).
Fact - Common colds are not flu. Flu is a fast acting virus that makes you
very sick and causes your whole body to ache. Common colds mostly only
cause a runny nose, sneezing and a sore throat.
Myth - You get a common cold from being cold or wet.
Fact - To catch a cold you need to come into contact with the virus. There
are more colds in winter because more people are in enclosed spaces with
infected people.
Myth - Large doses of vitamin C can cure common colds.
Fact - Whilst blood levels of vitamin C may be low in infected individuals,
it has not been proven that they were infected because their vitamin C
levels were low or that using more vitamin C will cure the infection.
Myth - You can "sweat out" a common cold.
Fact - The only things that can help relieve a common cold are rest,
drinking plenty of fluid, avoiding cigarette smoke and relieving the
symptoms with medicine as appropriate.
Myth - Huge doses of "natural" products are safe in treating
common colds.
Fact - Whilst some common herbal remedies such as echinacea and garlic may
be useful, they can also cause allergies or interactions with prescribed
drugs. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice about these. |
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