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Cold and Flu: Fact and Fiction


Do you starve a cold and feed a fever when you're feeling under the weather? Or is it the other way around? Good news—starving is never the correct answer whether you're sick or not. In fact, with a cold or the flu, you need to eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids to help your body recover.

We want to help you get the facts straight about colds and the flu so you can take some proven preventive steps—and put the old wives' tales to rest. Do you know what is fact—and fiction—about colds and the flu?




As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.

By Debra Fulghum Bruce, PhD
Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD.

SOURCES: WebMD Medical Reference: "Neti Pots," "Common Cold: The Basics," "Cold Remedies," "Starve a Cold, Feed a Fever?" "Keeping Catchy Infections Contained," "Stomach Flu or Influenza?" "Flu Prevention Strategies," "Home Remedies for Fast Flu Relief." American Lung Association: "Cold and Flu: Myths and Facts." CDC: "Cold Versus Flu." "Clean Hands Save Lives." National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: "Common Cold: Treatment," "Sinus Infection." National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders: "Otitis Media (Ear Infection)."