Busting the cold and flu myths

The familiar sound of coughs, sneezes and sniffles means there's no mistaking the fact that the cold and flu season has arrived.

Although there's no shortage of suggestions on how to prevent a head that feels like it's crowded with cotton wool or a nose that drips like a tap, each year young children get on average six to eight colds and adults pick up between two and four.

More worrying are the statistics on influenza, which show GPs in New Zealand dealt with just over 116,000 flu-related consultations last year with more than 1500 people were treated in hospital. About 400-500 people die of flu-related illnesses each year.

So how can you stay healthy this winter? Here, some experts bust common cold and flu myths and offer some advice.

Myth #1

An apple a day keeps the flu away

Verdict: Quercetin, a compound found in the skins of red apples, has a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect that may boost the immune system and protect against the flu, recent research from the US says.

"We usually associate berries with having the highest antioxidant levels, however, compared to half a cup of blueberries, one apple has a higher total antioxidant level," dietitian Geraldine Georgeou says.Myth #2

Having the flu vaccine causes the flu

Verdict: "This is 100 per cent myth - the flu vaccine can't give you the flu," says Dr Alan Hampson, a virologist and chair of the Australian Influenza Specialist Group.

"You can't catch the flu because the vaccine contains no live virus ... Some side effects such as a mild fever and sore arm may occur, this is because your body is responding to the vaccine and building the antibodies you may need.

Coming down with a cold a couple of days after being vaccinated is due to timing and has nothing to do with the vaccine."

Myth #3

Face masks prevent the spread of germs

Verdict: "There is no effective treatment for the 90 or so common cold viruses that make families sick each winter, but masks could provide simple and effective protection in certain circumstances," says Professor Raina MacIntyre, from the University of New South Wales.

But he warns not to put all your faith in a mask. It needs to be worn properly, it can't get too wet, you need to have clean hands when you put it on and take it off, plus if you touch something that has a virus on it and then rub your eyes, there is still the risk of infection.

Myth #4

Only coughs and sneezes spread diseases

Verdict: Being coughed or sneezed on is not only unpleasant – breathing in the expelled droplets also puts you at a higher risk of catching a bug. But even if you're nowhere near a sneezer, you can still catch their cold. This is because the cold and flu virus can survive for a few hours or even a day on surfaces and in enclosed spaces.

Myth #5

Going out in the cold with wet hair or clothes will cause a cold

Verdict: If you get caught in the rain you'll probably feel cold, but you won't catch a cold.The only way you will come down with a cold or flu is if the virus is already in your respiratory tract, either breathed in through your nose or mouth or rubbed near your eyes.

Myth #6

Chicken soup eases a cold

Verdict: Science is discovering what our grandmothers knew – a hot bowl of chicken soup is tasty medicine for someone with a cold.

Colds are the result of infection in the upper respiratory tract, which causes inflammation. Dr Stephen Rennard, a US chest specialist , found chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties.

Myth #7

Vitamins can help to kick a cold

Verdict: Many people swear by vitamin C or echinacea as a preventive measure. However, Dr Hampson says there's no conclusive evidence that taking vitamins will prevent colds or substantially reduce their duration.

Myth #8

Stress increases the risk of getting the flu

Verdict: Germs cause a cold, not stress. While stress is not more likely to cause a cold, chronic stress may cause anxiety and worry, depression or feeling burnt out, which may make it harder to recover and cope with symptoms of a cold or flu.

Myth #9

You can sweat out a cold

Verdict: When you're feeling fluey, you're willing to try anything to get rid of the aches and pains and stuffy nose. A hot bath or rugging up may mean you feel better, but it won't make a difference to your recovery time.

Myth #10

Regular exercise will help prevent a cold

Verdict: There are many proven health benefits of a walk or gym session. Now a study from the Appalachian State University's Human Performance Lab in the US has found regular, moderate exercise may improve immune function and decrease the risk of upper respiratory tract infections such as the common cold.

BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY

Get a flu vaccine. This is the best way to help protect against influenza infection.

Practise good hand hygiene. Washing your hands can reduce your risk of catching a cold or flu by up to 50 per cent, apparently.

Practise good respiratory hygiene and always cover your coughs or sneezes. Throw tissues away immediately after use – holding onto them can cause re-infection.

If you feel unwell, rest and recover – otherwise you stress your body, prolonging your recovery and possibly infecting others.

Keep at arm's length from those who are unwell.

Stay healthy, eat a balanced diet, exercise and get a good night's sleep.

- © Fairfax NZ News