Every year again: Cold season is here. Runny nose, flu, cold – there are a number of myths and misunderstandings surrounding viral infections. Here you can find out what’s true – and what’s not. And those who are familiar with colds can better protect themselves and relieve symptoms.
Myth 1: The flu is just an extended cold
Incorrect! The flu is not the next level of a cold. And a flu-like infection (a so-called cold) and a flu are two different illnesses that are caused by different pathogens. The symptoms of flu are usually more serious and, in the worst case, can be fatal in people with a weak immune system.
- Signs of a cold: It tends to progress slowly and often starts with a slight scratchy throat and frequent sneezing. When you have a cold, the respiratory tract is particularly affected.
- Signs of flu: Flu (influenza) usually starts very suddenly with a high fever, headache, joint pain and body aches. Runny nose is rare. Normally when you have the real flu you feel really sick.
Myth 2: Antibiotics help with a cold
Incorrect! Both a cold and the flu are caused by viruses, not bacteria. However, antibiotics are ineffective against viruses. They help with bacterial infections or if bacterial complications arise during the course of the flu (e.g. pneumonia, bronchitis or tonsillitis).
Myth 3: Turning up your nose is unhealthy
Incorrect! Even if it’s not exactly aesthetic: turning up your nose is no more unhealthy than blowing too hard into your handkerchief. Because if you blow your nose into tissues, pressure builds up inside your nose. “As a result, harmful pathogens can get into the nasal sinuses and cause damage,” explains Prof. Dr. Manfred Zehnder, Medical Director of the Max Grundig Clinic. In the worst case, the germs spread in this way cause one Sinusitis.
But pulling up the mucus also carries risks: “When pulling up, germs can get into the respiratory tract and trigger bronchitis,” he says Fact check from MDR knowledge. Getting rid of mucus is more complicated than you think. No matter which method you choose: use as little pressure as possible, then both pulling up and snorting won’t do any harm.
Anyone who uses tissues should definitely dispose of them correctly:
Myth 4: Exercise in moderation does no harm
Incorrect! “Complete mistake and also dangerous,” says Zehnder. Colds weaken the body, which directs its immune system to fight bacteria and viruses. The opposite is the case: “Anyone who exercises when they have a cold, even if it is not intensive, weakens the immune system.” In the worst case, secondary illnesses are possible, including dangerous myocarditis.
Myth 5: You can sweat out a cold in the sauna
Incorrect! What applies to sport also applies to the sauna: Once you become ill – even if it is only mild – your immune system is weakened by the high temperatures in the sauna. Anyone who has a cold puts unnecessary stress on their cardiovascular system. “For healthy people, sauna sessions as well as regular exercise help to strengthen the immune system, especially in the cold season,” explains Töpfer.
Myth 6: Hot milk with honey is good for the body
That’s correct! A cold is often accompanied by an excruciating sore throat; warm milk with honey can relieve the unpleasant throat discomfort. The reason: Honey contains anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Drinking a lot is generally important when you have a cold, so that the mucus is loosened and transported away.
Myth 7: A flu shot also protects against colds
Incorrect! This is unfortunately not the case. A flu vaccination can only protect against influenza viruses. A cold is caused by other viruses (e.g. rhinoviruses, adenoviruses).
Myth 8: Cold feet lead to a cold
Only partially true. Going out into the cold with damp hair or cold feet after a walk – for many people the connection seems logical: a cold comes from cold. It’s true: If we’re cold for a long time, it can weaken our immune system. And this makes it easier for pathogens. However, viruses are required to cause a cold.
Myth 9: Washing your hands protects you
True. Washing your hands to protect yourself from illness is effective. Because our hands are the number 1 carrier of germs. According to the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA), around 80 percent of infectious diseases are transmitted via hands. Anyone who touches their face after touching the door handle or the handrails on the bus can quickly transfer the pathogens to the mucous membranes. Experts agree: Washing your hands thoroughly and regularly reduces the risk of infection.
Myth 10: Vitamin C protects against colds
Incorrect! This is also a misconception. There are no scientific evidence that vitamin C in high doses can prevent colds or cure an illness. However, people who lack vitamin C are more susceptible to infections.
In Germany, we generally get enough vitamin C from a balanced diet, according to the German Nutrition Society (DGE). The DGE recommends Therefore, do not routinely take a vitamin C supplement to prevent and treat colds. To ensure an adequate supply of vitamin C, the DGE recommends five portions of vegetables and fruit a day. In winter, citrus fruits, peppers, cabbage and potatoes are important sources of vitamin C.
And what about zinc, which is found in many cold remedies alongside vitamins? The consumer advice center sums it up Study situation as follows: “So far there is no reliable evidence that zinc helps colds prevents. However, a study evaluation (meta-analysis) comes to the conclusion that zinc is used in very high doses (45-300 mg/day over 14 days) for colds, the duration of the illness can be shortened by up to two days.” However, such large quantities require a prescription.
Myth 11: Nasal spray can be addictive
Partially right. As helpful as decongestant nasal sprays are, some preparations can be addictive. The active ingredients oxymetazoline and xylometazoline are problematic. They ensure that the vessels in the nasal mucous membranes contract and the mucous membranes decrease in swelling. However, if the sprays are used for more than a week, the mucous membranes get used to the regular dose and the effect wears off. As a result, patients use ever higher doses of the nasal spray, and a vicious circle begins.
It is therefore important not to use decongestant nasal sprays for more than seven days in a row.
The better alternative is nasal sprays with saline, nasal douches or inhaling with steam.
Note: Holds the Cold lasts longeryou should medical advice seek.
With material from dpa.
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