Healthy Living
Can Cold Weather Make You Sick? Common Cold Myths Debunked
It’s hard to go anywhere lately without encountering people who are coughing and sneezing. Along with the germs comes plenty of advice — much of it passed down for generations.
But how much of it is actually true? We asked UR Medicine Virtual Urgent Care provider Marque-Ann Mattle, PA-C, to break down some of the most common cold and flu myths — and explain what really helps keep you healthy.
Myth: You’ll catch a cold from the cold.
While it’s smart to dress appropriately in cold weather, research shows that cold weather doesn’t make you sick.
While the weather itself isn't a cause, colder seasons can lead to more sickness because we spend more time indoors. The closer proximity means sharing more germs. Plus, cold weather dries out the nose and throat, making it easier for viruses to enter the body.
Myth: Lots of Vitamin C will ward off illness.
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Vitamin C has been studied for decades. While it’s essential for immune health, high doses have not consistently been shown to cure the common cold.
Although some research suggests that daily use of normal Vitamin C doses can slightly shorten symptoms and reduces the chance of catching a cold in certain people, it can't cure a cold once it starts.
Myth: Feed a cold, starve a fever.
Or is it the other way around? The fact is, it doesn’t matter. Some think that digesting food releases heat, warming you when you’re cold and possibly overheating you when you’re feverish.
The truth is, you may not feel like eating much when you are sick. The best advice is to drink plenty of water and do what you can to keep up your strength.
The truth is, you may not feel like eating much when you are sick. The best advice is to drink plenty of water and do what you can to keep up your strength.
Myth: Chicken soup cures colds.
Chicken soup can be a soothing comfort food. And there are certain properties of it (the steam, salt/electrolytes, protein, and antioxidants) that can definitely help ease your cold symptoms.However, there is no evidence that chicken broth specifically can cure viral infections. So, although chicken soup won't actually cure your cold, enjoy it if it makes you feel better.
So, what’s the best advice to avoid a cold or flu, or treat a virus if you catch one?
- Get your flu shot
- Wash your hands frequently
- Stay home when you’re sick
- Get adequate sleep
- Eat a balanced diet
- Manage stress
- Keep surfaces clean
Stay rested, eat well, wash your hands, and remember, time heals.
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