By Dr. Eric France, Kaiser Permanente Colorado
It’s November and with the chilling snow and promise of turkey dinners comes an increase in the number of people suffering from the common cold or influenza (flu). With a barrage of information out there on flu shots, who should get them and when, alternative remedies and so on, it’s hard to know what’s myth and what’s fact. So, I’ve provided some information to help set the record straight:
• People can have the flu but have no symptoms
Fact: Some people have such mild symptoms they don’t even know they’re sick. Also, some symptoms tend to start about a day after you become contagious. The best way to prevent this from happening is to get your flu shot.
• Dress warm or you’ll catch a cold.
Myth: This one has been around forever. While it’s always a good idea to bundle up during the winter months, the drop in temperature doesn’t actually make you more susceptible to catching the cold.
• Sleep and exercise helps prevent illness.
Fact: Getting plenty of rest and regular exercise can boost your immune system which helps prevent the flu or cold.
• Chicken Noodle Soup helps cure the flu or cold.
Myth and Fact: While chicken noodle soup has some measurable effect on the immune system, it’s not clear on exactly what. You should stay hydrated when you have the cold or flu and the broth from the soup helps with that.
Remember, the best way to prevent the flu is to get your flu shot and it’s never too late into the flu season to get one. Vaccination is especially important for people 50 years and older, people with chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems, and people who live in nursing homes and other long-term care centers. Both the cold and flu are very infectious diseases so if you’re feeling sick, try and stay home and always make sure to call your doctor.