Myths Regarding the Common Cold

Introduction

The common cold is a viral infection that affects mostly the nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). Usually, it is not that serious but it might not feel like that. Flu which is also called influenza is another infection that is caused by viruses. Influenza can be prevented or treated by taking the flu shot.

Healthy adults may expect to suffer 2-3 colds per year; however, infants and kids can expect more frequent colds. 

We all do not call it “common” cold for no reason. Adults average one to three colds per year, and kids average two to six which is not something to be worried about, still, many people believe in many myths regarding the common cold. 

Myths about the Common Cold

Some of the myths regarding the common cold are as follows:

1. Every cold causes fever.

Fact- It is one of the most common myths regarding the common cold. We know that colds can cause fever but not every cold causes fever. If you have a serious fever then chances are that it is caused by flu and not by cold. 

1. You can catch a cold if your hair is wet.

Fact- Colds are caused by viruses so there are no chances of you catching a cold due to wet hair, but we must note that if the temperature of the body falls drastically then the results can be fatal. 

1. Taking high doses of vitamin c can help you in preventing colds. 

Fact- Several studies in both adults and children were made. However, there is no conclusive evidence that shows that high doses of vitamin c can help prevent colds. Taking high doses of vitamin c can cause severe diarrhea, so taking high doses of vitamin c is not safe for a human being.

1. If you are suffering from a cold, taking antibiotics might be helpful.

Facts- Antibiotics don’t kill viruses, so taking antibiotics might not help you if you are suffering from a cold. We should not take antibiotics if not needed as it increases the chance of you carrying germs that might be resistant to common antibiotics.

Symptoms 

We know that people nowadays believe in a lot of myths regarding the common cold, so people need to follow the symptoms properly. The symptoms of the common cold usually appear within one to three days after exposure to a virus that can cause a cold.

Some of the symptoms are as follows:

1. Sore throat
2. Congestion 
3. Sneezing
4. Body aches/mild headaches 
5. Cough

Causes 

Although there are many types of viruses that can cause the common cold, the most common cause is the rhinoviruses. People tend to believe anything without confirming its legitimacy, that’s the reason there are so many myths about the common cold.

A virus enters a body through the mouth, nose, or eyes. The virus can even spread through droplets in the air when someone who is not well, coughs, sneezes or talks.

The virus can also spread through direct hand-to-hand contact with someone who might have a cold, it can also spread through sharing contaminated objects such as a towel. If you touch your eyes or nose with those hands then you might catch a cold. 

Some of the factors that might cause the common cold are as follow:  

1. Smoking- The chances of you catching a cold is very high if you smoke, it would be better to stay away from such people.
2. Age- Children and infants have a higher rate of catching a cold than adults. 
3. Exposure- If you mostly stay around crowded places then the chances of you catching a cold is very high.  

Prevention 

We must take note of how to prevent the common cold as there are many myths about the common cold, most of which have already been debunked. 

Some of the ways to prevent the common cold are as follows:

1. Take care of yourself- Eating well and getting exercise and enough sleep is good for your overall health.
2. Wash your hands- You must wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. Do not touch your eyes or nose with unwashed hands. 
3. Disinfect your stuff- You must disinfect the things that you touch the most like doorknobs, towels, and mobile.
4. Keep distance from people with colds- Avoid close contact with people who have a cold and stop touching your eyes and nose.

Conclusion

To sum it all up the common cold is a viral infection that affects mostly the nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). Usually, it is not that serious but it might not feel like that.

We live in a modern society still many people believe in many myths regarding the common cold. Kids have a higher chance of catching a cold than adults. 

Influenza is another viral infection just like the common cold but it can be prevented by taking flu shots. Everything has pros and cons and so does the flu shot, it can prevent influenza but it has big side effects on high-risk individuals like older women, young children, and pregnant women. It can even lead to serious illness, hospitalization, and even death to the above-mentioned individuals. There are many types of viruses that can cause the common cold, the most common cause is the rhinoviruses. A virus enters a body through the mouth, nose, or eyes. 

The virus can even spread through droplets in the air when someone who is not well coughs, sneezes or talks, and to prevent it we must wash our hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or keep away from people with colds.