Don’t be fooled by the mass media advice and old-wives tales – know your body, know the facts.

Myth #1: Feed a cold, starve a fever

The Truth: Colds and fevers are generally caused by viruses that tend to last seven to 10 days, not matter what you do. There is no good evidence that diet has any effect on a cold or fever. Even if you do not feel like eating, you still need fluids so put a priority on those. You need nutrients and liquids to get better. If you are congested, the fluids will keep mucus thinner and help loosen chest and nasal congestion. A little chicken soup provides some nutrients as well. (Thank goodness for the free soup!!!)

Myth #2: Get cold, and you’ll catch a cold

The truth: Mom was wrong. Getting cold does not hurt your immunity unless you are so cold that your body defenses are destroyed – and that only occurs during hypothermia. Also you cannot get a cold unless you are exposed to a virus that causes a cold. The reason people get more colds in the winter is not because of the temperature, but it may be a result of being cooped up in closed spaces and exposed to the spray of cold viruses. Staying warm may not prevent a cold, but staying cheerful might. A study at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh says positive people exposed to cold viruses have a 13 percent lower risk of getting a cold than gloomier souls

Myth #3: You lose most of your body heat through your head.

The truth: There is nothing special about the head and heat loss. You will lose heat through any uncovered body part, about 10% from your head. But it is Minnesota, so cover up to prevent hypothermia and frost bite on your ears in the winter time!

Myth #4: You can catch the flu from a flu shot

The truth: The flu vaccine is made form an inactive virus, so you cannot actually catch the flu from a flu shot. Some people might develop a fever or a muscle aches or feel unwell for a day or so, however it is not the flu. Researchers suggest exercising your arm a few hours before a flue shot can help your body deal with the vaccine, and enhance the production of antibodies.

Myth #5: Large doses of vitamin C can prevent cold or flu

The truth: research from the University of Helsinki found no evidence to suggest vitamin C can fight a cold. It is still important to overall health to consume the minimum daily requirement of vitamin C, which is 75 and 90 mg/day for female and male adults, respectively. As a medium orange continues roughly 70mg of vitamin C, it is a waste of money to purchase mega supplements. It is a water=soluble vitamin so your body will urinate out any excess.

Myth #6: Sweat out a cold or flu

The truth: Hide under the blankets and put your head over a bucket of steaming water all you like, but it will not necessarily help to sweat out a cold. The heat can provide substantial relief from head and sinus congestion, which can make it easer to sleep, but it will not get rid of your cold

If you have any other health myths you want busted or any questions please feel free to contact me (gasza002@umn.edu).

Angie Gaszak

Hillel UMN

Community Health Intern