Misconceptions About the Common Cold

Colds are one of those annoying but harmless things you get a few times every year. Some sneezing and a runny nose, congestion, and maybe some coughing. In scientific terms, the common cold is an upper respiratory tract infection. It is rarely lethal and usually clears up in a week but may take up to 10 days to clear up completely. Despite how long we’ve lived with it, many of us may still not quite understand what the common cold is. At least not the way scientists do. So, here are some common myths and misconceptions about the common cold you need to know. Myth 1: One Can Get a Cold from the Cold The common cold is an old illness, first recorded in Ancient Egyptian papyri some 3000 years ago. But it wasn’t until the 16th century when it was first coined due to its symptoms resembling cold exposure, i.e. shivering. While it’s safe to say that cold temperature (or cold weather) doesn’t cause colds, it’s not that simple. According to this medical article, cold environments do make it easier for viruses to thrive. Moreover, the cold dries up your nasal passages, making them more prone to infection. So, while the cold doesn’t cause the common cold, it does make circumstances more favourable for people to get the common cold. Myth 2: Colds and Flus Are the Same There's some truth to this but not wholly so. According to this 2019 study, both are caused by viruses and both attack through the upper respiratory tract. But that’s where the similarities end. The type of virus that’s involved are from different families and the symptoms are different as well—albeit with some overlap. Scientists used to think that there was a single specific pathogen responsible for the common cold. But there are apparently 200 known viruses that can cause cold-like symptoms. These can either be rhinovirus, coronavirus, adenovirus, etc. The flu, on the other hand, is caused by an entirely different family of viruses known exclusively as the Influenza virus (Influenza A, B and C). Myth 3: One Can Prevent Colds with Vitamin C Sorry to burst your bubble, but there is very little evidence that vitamin C can help stave off the common cold. However, there is a silver lining. It may not protect you completely, but it can help you recover faster. According to this 2013 research, common cold victims experienced lighter symptoms and faster recovery when they supplemented with vitamin C. The effect was more pronounced in children. So, even though taking vitamin C while you’re healthy may not necessarily guarantee you won't get sick, doing so while you do have the flu may actually help. But as far as prevention goes, the only way to be safe is to wash or sanitise your hands often and wear a mask. This may unfortunately be a necessity if you or your child gets sick very easily. Myth 4: One Can Sweat Out a Cold How do you stop a cold in its tracks? By heating things up, right? Wrong. Contrary to this battle of opposites, sweating out a cold may be ineffectual. This 2017 medical article showed that while it’s not harmful, it’s not beneficial either. However, there are other ways to treat a cold using heat. Warm showers can help relieve some of the unpleasant symptoms of having a cold. On the other hand, cold showers have their purpose to in the war against a common cold. Taken regularly on your non-sick days, cold showers can boost your immunity, helping you fight off colds better. Myth 5: One Can Cure a Cold with Just Chicken Soup Often touted as a 'must-have for the common cold', chicken soup is a household favourite when it comes to fighting off the sniffles. Drinking hot broth (or any hot liquid) may offer some temporary relief from the more obvious symptoms like congestion. But according to this study, chicken soup in particular has anti-inflammatory properties, making it particularly potent in alleviating colds. It may not cure a cold but it’s easy to digest. It also contains a lot of protein and hydration that can help replenish a lot of lost nutrients. Myth 6: There’s a Cure for the Common Cold Despite being around for centuries, the common cold is quite immune to any immunisation efforts. According to this medical article, rhinoviruses mutate very quickly and come in many variants. This is the main reason why doctors can’t produce a vaccine for colds the same way we do for the flu. But this doesn’t deter people from trying to find the ultimate common cold cure-all. From exotic herbs and strange spices, many have claimed to have found this supposed miracle pill. While they are no doubt effective in treating symptoms, this doesn’t necessarily mean the virus has left your body. Some people can even get infected and be entirely asymptomatic, allowing them to pass on the virus to other people. It's Time to Debunk Myths Most myths about the common cold have been debunked for years now. But many people may still believe these misconceptions, which is unfortunately not a complete surprise. This is because for some, the common cold may be one of our earliest childhood illnesses. As such, old habits may sometimes die hard. Even so, it's important to not get confused between facts and fiction. Say 'No' to fake news. It starts with you and me, before imparting wisdom onto our children's generations to dispel common cold myths. You've got this, parents! Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner. 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