Myths about the Common Cold
Dispelling Myths about the Common Cold
by: News Canada
According to Health Canada, cold and flu season runs from November to April. However, many physicians report increases in visits from patients as early as October. "Many people who are experiencing cold symptoms visit their doctor's office hoping to receive a quick cure," says Toronto-based family physician Dr. Susan Brunt. "With all that we know today about the common cold, it's surprising that so many misconceptions continue to surface."
Find out the facts so that you can protect your household:
MYTH: Cold weather can cause a cold.
FACT: While the stress of being cold or wet can lower your immunity and perhaps make you more susceptible to a cold, weather or temperature conditions alone do not cause a cold.
MYTH: Kissing can spread colds.
FACT: Very few or no cold viruses are in saliva; fluid from the nose or eyes carries the virus.
MYTH: I should avoid showering if I have a cold.
FACT: A warm shower can actually help dissolve mucus in the upper and lower airways.
MYTH: Antibiotics can help cure a cold.
FACT: Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, not viral infections. Therefore, they can't "cure" a cold or flu.
MYTH: Cleaning surfaces with soap and water is enough to kill germs and viruses.
FACT: Cleaning with soap and water only removes dirt. Using a disinfectant like Lysol Disinfectant Spray can kill 99.9% of germs as well as the flu virus and the Rhinovirus - the leading cause of the common cold.
Most healthy adults with a cold will be able to infect others one day before symptoms develop and up to five days after becoming sick, so remember to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing to protect those around you. "Cold and flu viruses can live on surfaces for up to 48 hours, so adding surface disinfection to your regular hygiene program is a great step towards prevention," adds Dr. Brunt.
More cold and flu prevention tips can be found at
www.lysol.com.
News Canada
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