5 myths about preventing and curing a cold

Before entering into the debate, the doctor and preventivist Vicente Baos puts all the cards on the table. “When we talk about colds we talk about a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract“, points out the doctor. The origin of the mucus, the headache and the general discomfort of colds, then, is none other than a virus. Or rather, a wide range of pathogens that circulate at these times of the year. “These viruses take advantage of the fact that in autumn and winter, when the weather is colder and drier, we make more life indoors and ‘bugs’ can pass from one person to another,” says Baos.

The specialist explains that the cold season, which is concentrated in the cold months of each hemisphere, is part of a natural virus circulation process (which, by the way, last year was interrupted by the expansive presence of covid-19). On average, it is estimated that an adult gets between two and five colds a year and that children get between four and eight. In most cases, these viruses cause mild symptoms and They heal with time and patience. “The best prevention is hygiene and prevention measures and the best remedy is relief. Everything else is nonsense,” summarizes Baos.

One of the most widespread beliefs about the cause of colds is the cold. But as the doctor and communicator explains Esther Samper, there is nothing more wrong than the typical ‘dress up, you’re going to catch a cold’. “The causes of flu and colds are viruses and not the coldneither sudden changes in temperature nor air currents,” explains Samper. According to the doctor in the book ‘If it stings, it cures: 50 bad health practices uncovered’, “you could be in Siberia itself at -40 degrees and with a swimsuit that, If you are not in contact with any virus, you will not suffer any cold. On the contrary, you could wear more layers than an onion and catch a cold from being in contact with a virus.”

The fact that we relate colds to the cold, explains Samper, is due to a combination of circumstances. For one thing, viruses survive (and transmit) better in cold, dry environments. On the other hand, the low temperatures of these times “decrease the defensive capacity of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, facilitating virus infection.” Finally, as Baos also said, the fact that in autumn and winter we spend more time indoors creates the perfect breeding ground for the virus to pass from one person to another. Exactly the same as happens with the coronavirus responsible for covid-19.

Is there any point in taking vitamin supplements to prevent a cold? The nutritionist Julio Basulto, an eminence in debunking hoaxes about nutrition, responds with a resounding no. “Taking vitamin supplements will not prevent you from catching a cold. Not even orange juice full of vitamin C, an actimel or some pills that are advertised saying that they are the best shield for your defenses,” comments the popularizer. The principle, he explains, is simple. There is only one compound that is designed to strengthen the defenses; vaccines “Everything else is bullshit“, says Basulto.

As Basulto explains, There is no magic formula to strengthen the immune system. On paper, to maintain healthy defenses you must follow a healthy lifestyle that includes a healthy and balanced diet, a correct sleep pattern and a good physical exercise routine. But, according to the popularizer, not even these good habits serve to prevent colds.

“Eat better or sleeping more this season will not help you avoid a cold. Although I am the first who wants to promote healthy lifestyle habits, I cannot say that ‘eating well helps against colds’ because that would be giving false hope,” concludes Basulto.

We have all heard that a teaspoon of honeya ginger infusion or a garlic paste is a ‘saint’s hand’ against colds. Basulto refutes all these home remedies with scientific evidence. “Several studies have been done on these topics and none have found solid evidence to demonstrate the effectiveness of these compounds,” comments the popularizer. The nutritionist also rules out the use of propolis, echinacea and food supplements natural, since they are not supported by scientific evidence either.

As Basulto explains, the best trick to recognize this type of hoax is critical sense. “If it sounds too good to be true, it’s not true.“says the expert.

“Today There is no medication or therapy that shortens the duration of a cold.. What does exist is an arsenal of products to relieve symptoms“explains pharmacist Roi Cal, spokesperson for the Farmaciencia platform. “Pharmacies sell things that work very well to relieve colds and things that don’t work at all, such as homeopathy,” illustrates the expert.

As Cal explains, “the best medicine It is the one that your doctor or pharmacist recommends and not the one that is advertised on TV saying that it works miracles for everyone.” The expert advises against self-medication because, far from being a harmless practice, mixing drugs can generate adverse effects. For For example, Cal also explains that some flu medications are contraindicated For people taking medications for depression or with blood-thinning diseases.

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The best cure for colds, summarizes Dr. Vicente Baos, is “stay at home for a few days and rest“.”There is no magic remedy that makes your symptoms disappear, but if you stay at home for a few days you prevent the discomfort from getting worse and, furthermore, you do not contribute to the ‘breeding ground’ to infect others“comments the specialist, who recalls that in countries like Germany “it is frowned upon to go to work sick.”

Once home, Baos advises act with common senseget under a blanket and have a little patience until the symptoms fade. “A tea with honey will not cure your cold, because if your throat is irritated you will find it more pleasant to drink that than a piece of rough and dry bread,” exemplifies the doctor. “The viral process goes inside and advances at its own pace, regardless of your desires and needs. Do you know that nature acts on its own? Well, it applies to both the stars and lymphocytes,” jokes Baos.