Understanding the Common Cold: 10 Strange Myths Around it.

Medically reviewed by Dr Itender Pal Singh

The common cold is a prevalent illness that affects people of all ages, especially during the colder months. Despite its widespread nature, many myths surround the common cold, leading to misconceptions and misguided treatment methods. Here, we will explore what the common cold is, how it differs from other infections like COVID-19, and the role of rhinovirus in causing this illness. We’ll also discuss 10 common myths associated with the cold to help you better understand and manage this all ailment.

What is the Common Cold?

The common cold is a viral infection primarily affecting the nose and throat, also known as the upper respiratory tract. It’s characterized by symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, headaches, and sometimes a mild fever. While the common cold is generally mild and resolves on its own within a week or two, it can be quite uncomfortable and disruptive to daily life.

The Rhinovirus: A Major Culprit

The most common cause of the common cold is the rhinovirus, which accounts for about 30-50% of all cases. This virus thrives in the nasal passages, where it multiplies rapidly, leading to inflammation and the symptoms we associate with a cold. While there are over 200 viruses that can cause a cold, rhinoviruses are the most common and the most contagious, particularly in crowded or enclosed spaces.

Common Cold vs. COVID-19: Understanding the Difference

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have been confused about the differences between a common cold and COVID-19. While both are viral infections that affect the respiratory system, there are key differences:

Symptoms Comparison

• Common Cold: Symptoms are usually mild, including a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, and cough. Fever is rare, and when it occurs, it’s typically low-grade.
• COVID-19: Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell. In some cases, COVID-19 can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia.

Virus Type

• Common Cold: Primarily caused by rhinoviruses, but can also be caused by coronaviruses, adenoviruses, and others.
• COVID-19: Caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a novel coronavirus that emerged in late 2019.

Transmission

• Common Cold: Spread through respiratory droplets, direct contact with an infected person, or touching surfaces contaminated with the virus.
• COVID-19: Also spread through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces, but can remain airborne for longer periods, increasing the risk of transmission in certain environments.

Myth 1: You Can Catch a Cold from Cold Weather

One of the most persistent myths about the common cold is that you can catch it simply by being out in cold weather. While it’s true that colds are more common in winter, this is not because of the cold itself. Instead, colder weather often leads to people spending more time indoors in close proximity to others, increasing the likelihood of virus transmission. The cold weather might also dry out the nasal passages, making it easier for viruses to enter the body.

Myth 2: Vitamin C Can Prevent or Cure a Cold

Vitamin C is often touted as a cure-all for the common cold, but research does not support the idea that it can prevent or cure the illness. While vitamin C is important for overall health and can support the immune system, taking high doses of vitamin C after cold symptoms start is unlikely to reduce the severity or duration of the cold. Regular supplementation might reduce the risk of catching a cold in people exposed to extreme physical stress, but for the general population, the benefits are minimal.

Myth 3: Antibiotics Can Treat the Common Cold

Many people mistakenly believe that antibiotics can treat the common cold. However, antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections and have no effect on viruses, which cause colds. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can lead to antibiotic resistance, making it harder to treat bacterial infections in the future. It’s important to let a cold run its course or use over-the-counter remedies to manage symptoms, rather than seeking antibiotics.

Myth 4: You’re Only Contagious When You Have Symptoms

It’s a common misconception that you’re only contagious when you have symptoms of a cold. In reality, you can be contagious before you even start showing symptoms, and for a few days after symptoms appear. This is why colds spread so easily in schools, workplaces, and other community settings. Practicing good hygiene, like washing hands frequently and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, can help prevent the spread of the virus.

Myth 5: Green or Yellow Mucus Means You Need Antibiotics

Another widespread myth is that green or yellow mucus is a sign of a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics. While colored mucus can indicate that your body is fighting an infection, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need antibiotics. The change in color is due to the presence of white blood cells and is a natural part of the body’s immune response. Most colds will clear up on their own without the need for antibiotics.

Myth 6: The Flu is Just a Bad Cold

The flu and the common cold are often confused, but they are caused by different viruses and have different symptoms. The flu, caused by the influenza virus, is generally more severe than the common cold and can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, especially in vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. While colds are typically mild, the flu can be life-threatening, and annual vaccination is recommended to prevent it.

Myth 7: Starve a Fever, Feed a Cold

This old ad suggests that you should eat more when you have a cold and less when you have a fever, but there’s no scientific basis for this advice. When you’re sick, your body needs nutrients and fluids to support the immune system and fight off the infection, whether you have a cold or a fever. It’s important to stay hydrated and eat nutritious foods, even if your appetite is reduced.

Myth 8: You Can Get a Cold from a Vaccine

Vaccines, such as the flu shot, are designed to protect against specific viruses and do not cause the illness they are meant to prevent. Some people may experience mild side effects, such as a low-grade fever or soreness at the injection site, but these are not signs of the flu or a cold. The flu shot, for example, contains inactivated virus particles that cannot cause the flu. Vaccination is a crucial part of preventing the spread of viruses, including the flu.

Myth 9: A Hot Toddy Can Cure a Cold

A hot toddy, a warm alcoholic drink, is often believed to soothe cold symptoms, but there’s no evidence that it can cure a cold. Alcohol can dehydrate the body, which may worsen cold symptoms. While a warm drink may temporarily relieve a sore throat or help you relax, it’s important to stay hydrated with non-alcoholic fluids when you’re sick. Drinking plenty of water, herbal teas, and broths is a better approach to managing cold symptoms.

Myth 10: You Can’t Catch the Same Cold Twice

Many people believe that once you’ve had a cold, you can’t catch it again. While it’s true that your body builds immunity to the specific virus that caused your cold, there are over 200 different viruses that can cause a cold. This means it’s possible to catch a cold multiple times, even within the same season, especially if you’re exposed to different viruses. Rhinoviruses alone have many strains, so immunity to one does not protect against others.

The common cold is a widespread illness, and myths surrounding it can lead to confusion and ineffective treatments. By understanding the facts, such as the role of rhinovirus, the difference between colds and COVID-19, and the reality behind common misconceptions, you can better manage your health during cold season. Remember, while colds are usually mild, it’s important to take care of yourself, stay informed, and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or persist. Staying hydrated, practicing good hygiene, and debunking these myths can help you stay healthy and recover faster from the common cold.

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