Truths and myths about colds and flu

First of all, it is important to distinguish between a cold and the flu. The flu can only be caused by a virus. Every year there are new varieties of it, some of them are life-threatening. The common cold, or rather SARS, is also more often caused by viruses, but less dangerous, and rarely by bacteria. Coronavirus, which has been in a pandemic for nearly two years, causes similar but often more severe symptoms. A typical symptom of early strains of coronavirus is the loss of odors, later doctors more often noted severe fatigue in patients as the most characteristic indicator of covid disease.

Cold in all these cases has nothing to do with it, although hypothermia often reduces immunity, which increases the likelihood of illness. What other common facts do we know about the common cold, and are they true?

The body cannot defend itself against viruses

It is a myth. Such a misconception is deliberately spread by manufacturers of means for the prevention of colds and flu. They claim that without their miracle pill, you will definitely get sick, and with it the risk of infection is reduced.

In most cases, only the placebo effect can work. Our immune system already repels most of the attacks of bacteria and viruses. And it is wiser to strengthen it not with the help of pills, but through proper nutrition.

“Do not lean on heavy food, the digestion of which will require a lot of strength and energy,” explains naturopath Celine Tuati. Eat fruits and seasonal vegetables rich in vitamin C (citrus fruits, kiwifruit, parsley), foods rich in iron (fresh vegetables, egg yolk, whole grains) and probiotics (yogurt and other dairy products).

Limit drinks containing tannins (wine, tea, coffee) – they interfere with the proper absorption of iron. And also do not get carried away with fatty and sweet. The expert recommends fasting days on vegetables and fruits once a week to improve bowel function. And for a strong immune system, it is extremely important to get enough sleep.

To get healthy, you need to eat as much as possible.

It is a myth. Of course, you shouldn’t go hungry when you’re sick. The body needs energy to fight inflammation. However, you don’t need to eat through force either – the body itself will signal when it needs food. If there is no feeling of hunger, it is unnecessary to cram food into oneself – its digestion uses the body’s resources that could be used to fight the disease. But you need to drink as much as possible.

We need to ventilate the room every day.

It’s true. “Ventilation will help to literally expel microbes from the apartment, which we bring every day on our hands, clothes and shoes. I recommend opening windows every morning for 10 minutes. The sooner the better: in the mornings, the air in the city is less polluted,” advises Celine Touati.

My child is sick, so I will get sick soon too

It is a myth. Until the age of 6-7 years, children often get sick, as their immune system is not yet developed. “Parents are afraid of getting infected from a child, and their fears can become a reality due to the peculiarities of psychosomatics,” explains the naturopath.

Compared to children’s immunity, an adult can fight back more bacteria and viruses, but it is still important to follow certain rules:

• wash your hands more often;
• do not kiss or hug the patient.

Walking in the cold leads to a cold

It is a myth. The less we move and the less often we are on the street, the higher the risk of getting sick. Movement supports optimal metabolism, and regular winter walks harden the body. On the street, the risk of catching a cold or flu is just less than in enclosed spaces – crowded shopping centers, warm apartments and offices, cinemas.

Important: in cold weather you need to dress properly. Sweating on the street in too warm clothes is even more dangerous than freezing. In frost stronger than minus 15 degrees, wear three layers of clothing: underwear cotton or thermal underwear, a warm sweater and trousers, a down jacket or a fur coat.

During epidemics, you need to wipe your hands with antibacterial gel

Truth and myth. This will be useful, but only if you do not have the opportunity to wash your hands with warm water and soap. All antibacterial agents weaken the natural protective barrier of the skin of the hands. However, during periods of epidemics, it is useful to keep such a gel in your purse and desktop drawer. In addition, it is important to wear gloves in transport, do not touch your face with your hands and minimize handshakes.

You need to wash your nose regularly

It’s true. Rinsing your nose with saline is helpful even if you don’t have a runny nose. In autumn and winter, this should become the same habit as brushing your teeth in the morning and evening. Saline will help neutralize germs on the nasal mucosa.

If the nose is already blocked, inhalations with eucalyptus essential oil will help. Dissolve 3-4 drops in warm water and inhale the aroma for several minutes.

Medicines help you recover faster

Truth and myth. In each case, you need to consult a doctor. But remember that antibiotics are useless in case of a viral infection, and most cold medicines, such as paracetamol-based soluble powders, only help relieve symptoms, but do not affect recovery. And yet, if not treated at all, there is a high risk of earning a complication or getting sick for two weeks instead of one.