Research from the Department of Health revealed that half of all Brits still succumb to ‘old wives tales’. Some are based on truth, whereas others really are just ‘tales’ which are still lurking around in today’s modern world. Boots Pharmacist Angela Chalmers is on hand to help separate the fact from the fiction when it comes to busting cough and cold myths.
You can’t get a cold if you’ve only just had one
False
Unfortunately there are around 200 types of cold virus, and you could quite feasibly come across two different ones, one after the other. When you have a cold you build up immunity to that particular virus, however that immunity won’t protect you against one of the other types of cold virus.
Feed a cold, starve a fever
False
Severe colds and flu can trigger the release of cytokines, which can cause a lack of appetite. However, it’s really important to eat in order to keep your energy levels up so you can fight off the virus, so the answer is no. Try to have some small nutritious meals or at least some soup or a meal replacement sachet if you really can’t face preparing a meal, and remember to drink plenty of fluids as well.
Chicken soup and curry are good for colds
True
Hot drinks, soups and spicy food can be beneficial as they encourage airway secretions, which can have a calmative effect on an inflamed nose and sore throat. A soup made using the chicken bones is very nutritious as the bone marrow is thought to help support the immune system and white blood cells. Rest, eat plenty of healthy food and drink lots of fluids.
Colds can be spread through kissing
False
Although close personal contact is necessary for the virus to spread, it is unlikely that you will catch a cold through kissing. The virus is spread either through particles in the air when a person coughs or sneezes, or through the transfer of germs on contaminated surfaces. For example, if you touch a contaminated surface such as a door handle or a train rail and then you touch your nose or your eyes, you may transfer the virus into your own system.
Angela says: "The average person spends just under three years of their adult lifetime with a cold, but how much do you really know about the common cold, coughs and sore throats? Take my fact and fiction quiz and find out."
True or False?
1) December is the most common month for catching a cold
2) A sneeze can travel at over 100 miles per hour
3) The common cold causes more days off work or school that any other ailment
4) Antibiotics will help get rid of your cold
5) There are over 200 types of cold virus
Answers:
1) Fact, 2) Fact, 3) Fact, 4) Fiction, 5) Fact