By Lisa Owens

Myths surrounding our friend the common cold.

There are many rumors that circulate about the common cold. Some of these rumors involve catching a cold, and others involve getting rid of a cold. For this month we are going to reveal how much truth there is to some myths about the common cold.

Myth 1) You can catch a cold just from being out in cold weather. This is most certainly a false rumor. You can catch a cold when it’s 98° outside. You get a cold from coming into contact with a virus. However, there is more of a link between catching a cold, and cold weather than just the name. People are more susceptable to catching a cold in winter time due to several factors. It is thought that because people spend more time indoors and in close quarters they catch the cold virus more easily. Some also think that because the lining of your nose is drier you are more susceptiable to viral infections.

Myth 2) Flooding your system with Vitamin C will drown out the cold. This also happens to be false. Vitamin C is good for your immune system, but taken in large quantities will not decrease you chances of getting a cold. There have been many studies done on Vitamin C and colds, but so far none have been able to show that Vitamin C will help you get rid of a cold. When taken in excess it will just pass through your system, and too much, in fact, can actually be harmful.

Myth 3) Chicken Soup can help you rid a cold faster. This myth is actually true. A study done by the University of Nebraska found that chicken soup does have an anti-inflammatory effect. It also keeps the mucus in the nose moving. The virus resides in the nose, and if the mucus is moving, it could potentially help you get rid of the virus a little bit quicker.

Myth 4) Milk can cause congestion. Myth. There have been no studies that have shown that milk increases congestion, or that it causes a cold to last longer. Milk is good for you, so drink it up if you like it.

Myth 5) You can spread a cold by kissing. Yet another myth. The virus lives in the nasal passages. Scientist did a study where they spread a solution containing rhinoviruses over the nose and mouth of volunteers. Those who had the virus spread over their mouth did not catch a cold. It takes a much much stronger dose to catch it that way. The virus is usually spread from the hands to the nose. So kiss away, but if holding hands make sure you are washing them.

As we have discovered, there are a lot of myths about the common cold. Taking products such as airborne, and other immune boosters may have a placebo effect that can lessen the effects of the cold. Anti-histamines can also help reduce symtoms. However, it seems that the most effective defense against a cold is to wash your hand regularly, and avoid touching your face! So go out, and enjoy the cold weather. Just wash your hands afterward.