5 common myths about colds and flu debunked

Weather of Arabia - colds and influenza are viral diseases that affect the respiratory system, and they are seasonal diseases that are commonly infected during the fall and winter, and although they are common diseases, there are many myths associated with them, and the following are the facts behind five common myths about Influenza and colds:

Myth #1: Antibiotics treat the flu and colds

As mentioned earlier, the flu and colds are caused by a viral infection. Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria, so taking antibiotics will not help at all in treating the flu or cold.

Antiviral medications can be used to prevent and treat influenza, after consulting a doctor. Not everyone who gets the flu needs antiviral medication, as it is often used in people at risk of developing complications related to the flu.

Myth 2: The flu is like a cold

Influenza is actually one of the leading causes of death in the world, and infection may require hospitalization, especially among young children, the elderly and people with pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease and diabetes, are more likely to develop serious and severe cases of influenza.

But even in young, healthy adults, a flu infection is much more than a cold. People with the flu have additional symptoms that are different from those of the common cold, such as fever, while a severe cold may bother you for a few days, and most people with severe colds last While most people with the flu end up on the couch or bed for a few days with high fever, body aches and a cough, general weakness in the body may persist in some people for weeks afterward.

Myth #3: Going out with wet hair will catch a cold or the flu

That you catch a cold or the flu as soon as you go out with your hair wet is nothing but a myth, but there are some factors associated with wet hair that may put you at risk of infection. Exposing you to cold air and wet hair makes you feel cold, which weakens the immune system, and gives an opportunity for infectious germs to attack the body, so keep your body Warm, it is a good line of defense against the winter cold.

Myth 4: Vitamin C supplements prevent the flu

Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that vitamin C prevents the flu or the common cold. To avoid the flu, try these steps:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth
• stay away from sick

Myth 5: Eating dairy makes colds worse

Drinking milk can make phlegm thicker when you have a cold, which makes you feel more congested, but it does not cause more phlegm to be produced, and doctors often recommend dairy products to patients because they are rich in calories, and they can compensate for the negative effects of losing appetite.