Whether it’s from friends and family, the news, social media, or your experiences growing up, everyone has their own beliefs and strategies on what they need to do to avoid getting sick during the cold and flu season. In truth, the science on some of these may not be as well-founded you may think.
Fact or myth? Taking vitamins like a multivitamin or vitamin C can lower my chances of getting sick.
Unfortunately, this is a myth. While getting essential vitamins and minerals can help maintain your immune system, there is limited proof to support their use in preventing respiratory infections. The same goes for other natural products like herbal supplements and probiotics. Unless you’re already taking supplements for different medical reasons, you don’t need to add them to your daily routine.
Fact or myth? If my cold or flu symptoms are severe, antibiotics can help clear the infection faster.
In most cases, they won’t. Infections like the cold or flu are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Since antibiotics can only target bacteria, they won’t help you get better more quickly. While most respiratory infections are caused by viruses, some infections like strep throat and pneumonia may be caused by bacteria. Viral infections may also increase your risk of developing bacterial infections. Since some respiratory infections are more concerning than others, your health care provider can help you figure out the type of infection that you have and what the right treatment is for you.
Fact or myth? Over-the-counter cough and cold medications can help you get over a cold faster.
Not quite. Cough and cold products are cocktails of medications that can help you to temporarily feel better. For example, cough syrups commonly contain a cough suppressant (e.g., dextromethorphan) and a medication that helps to release phlegm when you’re coughing (e.g., guaifenesin). High fevers can be dangerous and can lead to symptoms such as chills and excessive sweating, which is why fever-lowering medications like acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) are used.
Regardless, these ingredients don’t boost your immune system. Think of over-the-counter products as ways to get relief from certain symptoms while your immune system is fighting off the infection.
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