Debunking Common Myths About Colds and Influenza

Key Takeaways

• Colds and flu are both viral infections, but flu symptoms start suddenly and are usually more severe.

• You cannot catch a cold from cold weather, wet hair or going outside, only viruses cause infection.

• Antibiotics do not treat colds or flu because they only work on bacterial infections.

• The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu and is recommended even for healthy individuals.

• Annual flu vaccination and good hygiene are the most effective ways to prevent illness.

Does wet hair cause a cold? Can I have the vaccine if i'm pregnant? What's the difference? We'll answer these questions and debunk common flu myths to help you make better decisions for your health.

Understanding Colds and Influenza

Both the cold and flu are contagious viral infections spread through coughing, sneezing and talking. Different viruses are responsible for each.

Unfortunately, there's not just one cold virus with at least seven families which cause the common cold. The most common is the rhinovirus family, responsible up to 50% of cases. The flu however is only caused by one family - the influenza family.

It can be challenging to differentiate between the two, particularly when flu season coincides with a cold. Common symptoms which both share include:

• A sore throat.

• Cough.

• Tiredness.

• Fever.

• Headache.

• Loss of taste and smell.

• Eye irritability/pain.

• Ear or sinus pressure.

• Muscle aches.

Where the 2 illnesses differ is in terms of onset and severity of symptoms. Symptoms of a common cold usually develop gradually over a few days whereas symptoms of flu can come on suddenly and are more intense.

Sneezing, a stuffy/runny nose or sore throat are more common in a cold whereas the flu is more likely to cause fever, fatigue and body aches.

Colds rarely lead to complications. The flu on the other hand can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis or worsening of asthma. Flu is also more contagious, leading to outbreaks whereas the cold is less likely to cause widespread illness.

The flu can be managed, particularly in flu season through the use of vaccinations. While flu vaccines are suitable for almost everyone and are given to certain groups of people on the NHS, there's no vaccine against the common cold.

Common Myths About Colds

Myth 1: You Can Catch a Cold from Cold Weather

As a cold is a viral infection, you cannot catch a cold directly from cold weather. The virus responsible spreads through respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces or close contacy.

The weather can indirectly increase the likelihood of catching a cold due to several factors:

• Dry air in homes, coupled with indoor heating can dry out nasal passages, reducing the mucus barrier that helps to trap and eliminate viruses.

• During the winter months, people tend to spend more time indoors, increasing the chance of close contact with others.

• A study published in 2015 found that rhinoviruses replicate more in cooler temperatures.

Whilst it doesnt itself cause colds, the cold weather can create an environment where viruses can spread more easily. To reduce this risk, it is important to wash hands frequently, avoid touching the face and maintain good indoor ventilation. You can also dress warmly to avoid prologed exposure to cold and stay aware from infected people.

Together, these factors may explain why people catch colds more often in colder months.

Myth 2: Going Outside with Wet Hair Causes a Cold

A common misconception is that going outside with wet hair can cause you to catch a cold, but how true is this?

We know that a cold is caused by viruses and not directly by the environment. However, certain environments can make it more likely to catch a cold. Feeling cold and wet might make you shiver, making you feel like you are ill. It can also slow mucus clearance in nasal passages, which can make it easier for viruses to stay within the body and therefore lead to an illness.

The bottom line is, you won't catch a cold just by being wet outside and it is important to stay healthy, promote good hygeine with good nutrition. Going outside with appropriate warm clothing and ensuring you get plenty of rest can also reduce the likeliness of catching a cold.

Myth 3: Vitamin C Prevents Colds

Animal studies suggest that vitamin C helps fight off infections and shortens how long a cold lasts, but ananalysis of 29 studies found that it did not actually reduce the chances of catching a cold.

Whilst not a preventative treatment, vitamin C may limit development of more severe symptoms and offer quicker relief.

Adults need 40mg of vitamin C a day which can usually be obtained from foods like citrus fruits, potatoes, broccoli, brussels sprouts and peppers.

Myth 4: Antibiotics Cure Colds

Antibiotics can only be used to treat an infection caused by bacteria. As the culprit behind a cold is a viral, (not a bacteria) these will not cure a cold or help improve the symptoms in any way.

Unfortunately, antibiotics are used often and inappropriately. This can cause widespread antibiotic resistance.

Common Myths About Influenza

Myth 1: The Flu Is Just a Bad Cold

Although flu and cold share similar symptoms, they are caused by different viruses. Flu is caused by the influenza virus family whereas a cold can be caused by many different flu viruses.

The flu can also have more serious health consequences. During the 2018/19 flu season, there were 39,670 flu-related hospital admissions in the UK - mostly people aged over 65 years old. Around the world, flu is linked to up to 645,800 deaths a year.

This may sound scary, but most people who catch the flu don't end up in hospital. Vaccines or 'flu shots' also help people to fight off the flu more easily and reduce their risk of developing serious complications.

Myth 2: Healthy People Don't Need the Flu Vaccine

People with certain health problems, are aged over 65 or are pregnant women can get their flu vaccines on the NHS for free. Most people however must pay privately to get vaccinated from a local pharmacy or health clinic.

Whilst it may not seem like a 'big deal' for otherwise healthy individuals, and it is rarer, healthy adults can still catch the flu and become seriously unwell. Importantly, flu vaccines are not just for 'sick people.' Getting vaccinated reduces the risk of this happening.

The more people that opt to get a flu vaccine, the better 'herd immunity' there is - this means fewer people transmit the influenza virus and vulnerable people are better protected.

Myth 3: The Flu Vaccine Can Give You the Flu

A common myth surrounding the flu vaccination is that it can give you the flu. Before we consider how true this is, it is important to first know how a vaccine works.

The flu vaccine contains a small amount of a dead or inactivated virus. Your immune system recognises this and builds its defence against it by making antibodies. The 'blueprint' of how to kill this particular virus is stored in your immune system so that if you do come across the actual, live version your body can instantly recognise and destroy it, reducing the likeliness of you getting sick.

As the virus within is deactivated, it cannot replicate inside your body. Whilst some patients do experiene some mild aches and pains, and maybe fever, the vaccine cannot actually cause the flu.

One type of vaccine called the live attenuated vaccine however, does contain a live version of the virus but this has been weakened. This is usually given to children under 2 years old as a nasal spray. The virus is still live enough for the immune system to recognise but not strong enough to cause symptoms.

Myth 4: You Don't Need a Flu Shot Every Year

It is important to have the flu shot every year. This is because each flu season brings with it another variation of the flu virus. As influenza viruses mutate and constantly change, your body may not recognise this new strain and thefore will not be able to protect you.

Having an annual flu jab ensures your body is up to date and ready to protect you against the strains of virus circulating in that season.

Myth 5: Pregnant Women Should Avoid the Flu Vaccine

Pregnant women are more likely to experience serious symptoms if they catch the flu. The vaccine can help protect not only themselves but also their unborn baby. Antibodies produced by the mother after a vaccination are passed on to the unborn baby, providing protection from the moment they are born.

Whilstit is safe for pregnant women to have the inactivated vaccine, they should avoid the live attenuated version which is reserved for children under 2.

Preventing Colds and Influenza

Effective Hygiene Practices

Viruses that cause both colds and the flu can be transmitted through droplets when you cough, sneeze, or talk. Both are contagious illnesses so it is important to practice effective hygiene.

Sneezing into a tissue which is then binned immediately and sanitizing your hands frequently can help limit the spread of the virus. Disinfecting surfaces such as door handles and avoiding sharing towels can are all effective ways at helping contain the disease.

If you are feeling unwell, its probably best to avoid contact with others where you can whilst also avoiding contact with sick people.

Vaccination

Good hygiene is a good place to start but the benefits of vaccination cannot be understated. As the vaccine differs from year to year, it is important to be up to date to stay protected.

For those individuals who are high risk, i.e. the elderly, pregnant, are a healthcare worker or have certain health conditions it is more important to ensure you are protected.

You may experience a mild illness after having the vaccine, such as injection site pain, muscles aches or a mild fever but these tend to resolve on their own. More serious symptoms are very rare.

Recognising Serious Complications

When to Seek Medical Attention

Most of the time, symptoms can be managed at home. If you're over 65, have an underlying health condition, you're pregnant, your child under 6 months has flu symptoms, or your symptoms don't get better after 7 days, contact a healthcare professional for advice.

Call 999 if you're struggling to breathe, coughing up blood or experiencing sudden, severe chest pain.

Summary

There are a lot of myths about colds and flu but by understanding the facts, you can make the best decisions for your health. If you're worried about cold and flu symptoms, visit the NHS website or contact a healthcare professional.