A strong immune system is the best way to prevent the common cold. A balanced diet, good sleep and less stress are beneficial. If a cold does occur, it is important to interpret the symptoms correctly to find the best treatment.
Myth #1: Do you catch a cold faster when it’s cold?
Yes and no. A cold is not the cause of a cold, but it can make it worse. A pathogen is always necessary for a disease to occur. In the case of a cold, these are usually viruses. When the outside temperature is low, the body cools faster and blood circulation decreases. As a result, fewer immune cells enter the mucous membranes and cold viruses have an easier time.
Myth 2: You can keep kissing if you have a cold
This myth is not entirely false. Colds are contagious, but there’s nothing wrong with kissing them on the cheek or forehead. But be careful about mouth kissing or French kissing. Since viruses are transmitted through droplets, the risk of transmission is higher. Kissing is much less contagious than you think, according to a study by American cold researcher Elliot Dick. In his study, only one of the 16 students was infected with a kiss. He suspects that viruses reach the stomach with saliva, where they cannot survive because of stomach acid.
If you want to be safe, you should still avoid kissing during illness. But hugs are allowed. When you hug, your body releases the happiness hormones that build up your immune system. As a result, someone who has a cold becomes fit and healthy more quickly.
Myth 3: Sauna helps against the cold
Not true. Anyone who comes to the sauna with a cold, can firstly infect others, and secondly, it will not bring any benefit to his body. In the sauna there is intense heat, which puts a heavy load on a weakened organism. The circulation and heart are put under a lot of pressure in the sauna. This is especially dangerous if the affected person has a fever during a cold. If the cold has already broken out, we strongly advise you not to go to the sauna. However, when you are healthy, you can prevent colds by going to the sauna regularly.
Myth 4: Antibiotics help fight colds
Not true! Antibiotics are not a cure for the common cold. Runny nose, sore throat, and cough are usually caused by viruses that have no effect on antibiotics. Antibiotics only help against bacteria. Cold symptoms can be alleviated with tried and tested home remedies such as baths, teas, inhalations or wraps. Along with a balanced diet, plenty of drinking and sleep can also help. Only a doctor can decide whether it makes sense to take antibiotics for existing symptoms.
Myth 5: Flu vaccine protects against colds
Unfortunately, this myth is also not true. The common cold is different from the flu. Different forms of a disease are meant here. Although the vaccine strengthens the immune system, it only protects against flu pathogens, not against pathogens of cold viruses.
Myth 6: Stress causes colds
Stress can’t trigger a cold, but it can encourage it. If there are too many stress hormones in the body, the immune system is weakened. Then it is much more difficult to fight pathogens. The risk of getting a cold increases. It’s also important to know: On average, pessimists have a weaker immune system than optimistic people.
Myth 7: You should cover your mouth with your hand when sneezing
Every child knows the rule that you should put your hand in front of your mouth while still sneezing. But it is advisable not to go after what everyone should know since the corona crisis at the latest. When shaking hands, pathogens can be transmitted to other people. It is better to sneeze on the inside of your arm or directly into a tissue. This limits the further spread of the virus.
Myth 8: Using too much nasal spray is dangerous
The nasal spray should be used for a maximum of one week. With prolonged use, the nose can become chronically blocked and the nasal mucosa can also be damaged by prolonged treatment: it can become accustomed to the decongestant effect of some sprays, which can lead to addiction.
Myth 9: You need to breathe properly when you have a cold
In order for the infection to kneel by the organism, the airways must be open. If you breathe correctly, the body receives more energy, blood pressure is regulated and tension is gently relieved. Most people breathe air through chest breathing. However, this breathing technique is often not sufficient. Therefore, it makes sense to repeatedly train stomach breathing, the so-called abdominal breathing.
Myth 10: Older people are more at risk of getting a cold
TRUE! Older people are often more susceptible to diseases because their immune system also ages: defense cells change and fewer antibodies are produced than younger adults or middle-aged people. Therefore, infections in the elderly usually last longer. Anyone who has had the flu or infection in old age should definitely strengthen their immune system with a healthy diet, vitamins and plenty of sleep, and consult a doctor in case of doubt.
By the way, children catch a cold faster, as do the elderly. However, in their case it is because the immune system is still maturing and must first learn how to fight various pathogens.