Common cold myths and facts

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(NC)—Think you know everything about the common cold? Here are three common myths -- debunked.

Fiction: The common cold is caused by cold temperatures

Fact: “Although exposure to cold combined with a weak immune system doesn't make matters better, people cannot get a cold from being cold,” says Dr. David Greenberg a General Practitioner at St. Joseph's Health Centre. “A cold is actually caused by a virus.” However, the colder it is outside, the more time we spend indoors with closed windows and air-conditioners, spreading a virus and infecting more people.

Fiction: Cold symptoms cannot be treated

Fact: Many people believe that cold symptoms are intended to help us get over the sickness quickly – so we shouldn't treat the symptoms with medicines. The truth is that the symptoms not only make no difference to the duration of the cold, they can help spread the bug to other people through coughing and sneezing. Cold medications like Benylin will not only make the illness more tolerable, they will also help to keep it better contained.

Fiction: You should feed a cold (and starve a fever).

Fact: There is absolutely no scientific evidence that eating excess will help cure a cold, so don't pig out in hopes of feeling better. Instead look to foods, that although cannot cure, may help cold sufferers feel better such as warm chicken soup which can loosen nasal mucus and make breathing a bit easier.

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