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Cold Myths

If I think about every decision I make concerning my health I would be still sitting around trying to figure whether to switch to summer clothes or get into one of my pullovers just in case. So I chose to follow my heart, which means following cold myths that we have known for ages now but using myths does not necessarily mean you are doing what’s right.

Here is how to distinguish between both.

1- Do not wear your coat or leave your hair wet in cold weather or you are doomed to get a cold, as a matter of fact spending more time indoors to escape the frigid temperatures increases the risk of germs infection especially if the weather outside is extremely cold.

2- The cure lies in some chicken soup, just face it!! Whatever this kind of soup is, it can’t kill a virus; however, it can only help ease congestion, soothe the throat, and keep you hydrated, lessening chances of secondary bacterial infections. You can get the same results if you try some hot tea or any other hot liquid. The key lies in making sure you stay away from caffeine as it's known of causing dehydration.

3- Vitamin C is one of the best remedies for colds, but can you believe that a huge number of studies were unable to confirm the myth that large quantities of vitamin C stop the spread of colds. Actually you might be surprised to know that some studies showed that high doses of vitamin C can cause diarrhea and are not as healthy as we thought it was. Replace it with vitamin E, which has a growing reputation of being an immunity booster.

4- Kiss anyone with cold and you are sure to get sick; it doesn't take a kiss on the cheek to catch a cold, actually a handshake or touching a doorknob can be as infectious. The main route of a cold is through air, which is filled with coughs and sneezes. There is no ultimate protection from such colds but you can decrease your chances of catching one by washing your hands with soap and water frequently, and avoiding rubbing your nose and eyes that are considered entry points for infection.

5- Make sure you take a flu shot and you are safe at least during this year; keep one thing in your mind, there is nothing you can do or take to guarantee that you won't catch any colds. We are not saying that flu shots are not considered the best insurance against contracting the virus; however, it has a percentage of failure since it doesn't necessarily beat all kinds of influenzas. Despite that, it's perfect for older people and pregnant ladies since it helps prevent serious complications. Put one thing in mind, though, it usually takes a couple of weeks for the body to build immunity.

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