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Cold and Flu: Fact and Fiction


You Can Catch a Cold Easily If You Get Chilled or Overheated

Fiction.

There is no evidence that you can get a cold from exposure to cold weather or from getting chilled or overheated. We do know that maintaining a healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep, good nutrition and physical exercise can help ensure that your immune system is in good condition and ready to fight infection if it occurs.

On the other hand, research suggests that psychological stress and allergic diseases affecting your nose or throat may have an impact on your chances of getting infected by cold viruses.




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)."