United States: As respiratory virus season settles upon the US, it ushers in an opportune period for common colds. The average adult succumbs to this familiar ailment two to three times annually, meaning sniffles and sneezes may soon become unwelcome, recurrent visitors.
Given this, it’s prudent to take proactive measures—like diligent hand-washing—to mitigate exposure to these unwelcome germs and reduce your chances of illness. However, misconceptions about colds are pervasive, from prevention myths to misinformed treatments. Dr Thomas Russo, a professor and infectious disease expert at the University at Buffalo, New York, frequently encountered questions surrounding these myths, as reported by Yahoo News.
So, what are the most enduring myths about colds, and what’s grounded in actual science? Infectious disease specialists dissect the truth from fallacy.
Myth 1: Vitamin C Can Stave Off a Cold
Vitamin C supplements are ubiquitous on pharmacy shelves, often claiming to ward off colds. Yet, scientific evidence remains inconclusive.
A comprehensive study spanning 29 clinical trials and encompassing over 11,000 participants revealed no significant impact of routine vitamin C intake on cold frequency. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) also explicitly stated that vitamin C supplements do not reduce susceptibility to the common cold.
Some evidence does suggest, however, that vitamin C may offer mild relief after a cold begins. A review of clinical trials indicated that consuming at least a gram of vitamin C daily while symptomatic reduced cold severity by 15 percent and marginally shortened symptom duration compared to a placebo. Another study found that taking vitamin C within 24 hours of symptom onset might decrease the duration of the cold.
In addition to this, Russo emphasized that there’s “no data to support” using vitamin C to prevent colds, though it may offer slight relief once symptoms appear.
Myth 2: The Common Cold Stems from a Single Virus
Repeated colds in a single season are not uncommon, and there’s a scientific basis for this phenomenon. As Russo explains, an array of viruses, not just one, can instigate cold symptoms, according to reports in Yahoo Life.
Over 200 respiratory viruses can trigger the common cold, creating a challenge for the immune system. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rhinoviruses are the primary culprits in the US, though human coronaviruses, parainfluenza viruses, adenoviruses, enteroviruses, and human metapneumovirus also play roles.
It’s important to clarify that while viruses like SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) may induce cold-like symptoms, they don’t actually cause colds in the traditional sense.
Myth 3: Stepping Out with Damp Hair Elevates Cold Risk
The belief that going outside with wet hair makes one vulnerable to colds is a prevalent myth. However, as Dr William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University, explained, “Colds are caused by viruses, and feeling chilled or having wet hair is irrelevant to viral transmission,” as noted by Yahoo Life.
Previous studies have examined this assumption. Participants were divided into warm and comfortable groups versus those made damp and chilled, with both exposed to a cold-causing virus. “Both groups experienced similar infection rates,” Schaffner noted, debunking the wet hair myth.
Myth 4: Colds Are Exclusive to Winter
While it’s true that cold incidence rises in winter—most cases occur from September to May, according to the CDC—summer colds are not unheard of.
“Viruses are constantly present,” Russo remarked, though he acknowledges that certain viruses become more prevalent in particular seasons. He explains that while rhinoviruses are the chief culprits year-round, summer colds are often caused by enteroviruses.
Myth 5: Antibiotics Will Eradicate a Cold
Given the widespread use of antibiotics for bacterial infections, it’s understandable why some believe antibiotics can treat a cold. However, antibiotics specifically target bacteria, not viruses, as per Yahoo Life.
Russo clarified that antibiotics are ineffective against cold viruses. “Using antibiotics for a cold not only exposes you to unnecessary side effects but also contributes to antibiotic resistance in your body’s bacterial population,” Schaffner added, urging against this common misconception.
If symptoms worsen, however, a different ailment may be at play, such as bronchitis, strep throat, or pneumonia. Russo advised consulting a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or escalate, especially in cases of sore throat and fever.