COLDS : TRUE OR FALSE
As we enter the cold winter months, many of us will see our immune system compromised by bouts of coughing and endlessly snot-clogged sinuses. When it comes to the common cold, it is sometimes impossible to differentiate scientifically backed facts from old wives’ tales, which is why I am taking it upon myself to bust some of those myths.
1. Common Cold and Flu are Synonyms
FALSE. Although both diseases share some symptoms, the ‘flu’ refers specifically to the influenza virus, while the ‘common cold’ is an umbrella term for a plethora of viruses. Flu symptoms are usually worse and present a higher risk of complications, such as pneumonia.
2. You should treat a cold with antibiotics
FALSE. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections; colds are caused by a viral infection. Taking antibiotics will do nothing to lessen your symptoms. In fact, antibiotics could make your situation significantly worse, as they often cause side effects. You should instead opt for an acetaminophen (like Tylenol) or an ibuprofen (like Advil).
3. If you’re sick, eat some chicken noodle soup.
TRUE and FALSE. If you think that soup will magically cure you of your ailment, I’m sorry to say that you are sorely mistaken. Soup has no medicinal properties; however, it is a good way for you to hydrate yourself and get a bit of protein and vegetables in your system. So, although chicken noodle soup isn’t a cure-all, it certainly won’t hurt.
4. You can’t catch a cold from the cold
TRUE. Colds occur most often when temperatures drop but this change is not directly the cause of your illness. The actual cause of disease during winter months is usually the fact that cold weather forces people indoors, and close quarters make it easier for a virus to be transmitted. Additionally, going outside with wet hair won’t make you sick either.
5. A cold can’t kill me
FALSE. Although this might be true for you, some people can be put at risk by a even ‘simple’ cold. As mentioned previously, a ton of different viruses are referred to as the ‘common cold’. Most of these are rhinoviruses; however, some are caused by coronaviruses. COVID-19 is a coronavirus, and we have all been made well aware that it can affect different people in vastly different ways.
References :
- Barlow, Peter. “Can You Die from a Common Cold?” Respiratory Therapy, https://respiratory-therapy.com/disorders-diseases/infectious-diseases/rsv/can-you-die-from-common-cold/. Accessed 27 November 2025.
- “The Common Cold: Facts, Myths, Causes and Treatment.” Brown University Health, https://www.brownhealth.org/be-well/common-cold-facts-myths-causes-and-treatment. Accessed 27 November 2025.
- “Common Cold.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/common-cold. Accessed 27 November 2025
- “Cold Versus Flu | Influenza (Flu).” CDC, 8 August 2024, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/coldflu.html. Accessed 27 November 2025.
