Myth vs. Fact on Cold & Flu <2>
Myth #8: “Natural remedies (like vitamin C or echinacea) can prevent or cure the flu.”
Fact: There is no strong evidence that supplements or natural remedies can prevent or cure influenza. The only proven prevention method is the annual flu vaccine, and the only proven treatment is antiviral medication prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Myth #9: “I can’t spread the flu unless I feel sick.”
Fact: For flu, you can spread the virus 1 day before symptoms start and up to 5~7 days after becoming sick (longer in children). For common colds, you’re most contagious in the first 2~3 days but may spread it before feeling ill.
Stay home when sick and practice hand hygiene even when you feel fine during flu season!
Myth #10: “Stomach flu is influenza.”
Fact: Despite the name, “stomach flu” is not influenza. It is usually viral gastroenteritis, caused by viruses like norovirus or rotavirus, affecting the stomach and intestines. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are not typical flu symptoms in adults (though they can occur in children).
Influenza primarily affects the respiratory system.
Myth #11: “Once flu season peaks, I don’t need the vaccine.”
Fact: Flu season can last until May in the Northern Hemisphere, with peaks between December and February, but activity often continues. As long as flu viruses are circulating, vaccination still provides protection. It’s never too late to get vaccinated during flu season!
Myth #12: “I don’t need a flu shot every year.”
Fact: Flu viruses mutate frequently, and immunity from previous vaccination or infection wanes over time. Annual vaccination is needed to match current circulating strains and maintain protection.
Myth #13: “I get the flu shot every year, but I still catch colds. The vaccine doesn’t work for me.”
Fact: The flu vaccine only protects against influenza viruses, it does not prevent the common cold, which is caused by other viruses such as rhinoviruses or coronaviruses. Even if you do get influenza, people who are vaccinated usually experience milder symptoms, shorter illness duration, and fewer complications.
Myth #14: “I can sweat out a cold with a workout.”
Fact: A cold is caused by a virus, and your immune system removes it, not sweating. Exercising while sick may even make symptoms worse. Getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and eating well are the keys to helping your immune system recover.
A cold is caused by a virus, and your immune system removes it, not sweating.
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