10 Myths On How To Treat and Prevent the Common Cold, Part Three

In the previous parts of this series we covered Vitamin C, Cold Weather, Hot Toddies, Antibiotics, and Chicken Soup. Here is Part Three of the series of common cold myths.

6) Got Milk?

Does milk form mucus when consumed by a person with a cold? The authorities are all over the map on this one. The Journal of the American College of Nutrition states unequivocally that “Milk Consumption Does Not Lead to Mucus Production or Occurrence of Asthma”. It sites case studies performed in Australia that show that though surveyed people believed that cow’s milk causes mucus creation, in fact, when studied along side soy milk the sensation was found in an equal number of instances.

Meanwhile an article in the Consumer Health Organization of Canada states that milk is the most mucus forming of all foods. Going on: “Dr. William Ellis often said that dairy food is one of the worst foods for the human body. It is not made for human consumption.”

Of course, this debate has interested parties on both sides trying to convince the general public that milk is either good or bad. The truth is that milk probably has different effects on different people. If it is mucus forming for you, it is best to avoid it when you have a cold. If not, pour it on your cereal in the morning and don’t worry about it.

7) Keep Away from the Spray

Just because someone coughs on you it does not mean that you will catch their cold. If you inhale when someone with a cold near you exhales it does not mean that they are transfering their virus to you. Most studies show that viruses are not generally transmitted via the air. However, the droplets of saliva that are generally spewed with a sneeze can carry the virus. Also, the flu can definitely be carried in the air, so do avoid those tightly packed places where there are coughers and sneezers.

8) Is Kissing Off-limits Once a Cold Starts?

Contacting someone else with your lips is always a risky proposition. When the other person is ill with a cold or flu it becomes even more risky. Germs carried directly to the mouth from someone else’s mouth is quick way to get sick. However, kissing a child’s forehead to check for fever is unlikely to result in the transmission of an illness. Use common sense in this as in other things.

Two more common cold myths left in this series on how to treat and prevent the common cold.

<< 10 Myths On How To Treat A Common Cold, Part Two
10 Myths On How To Treat and Prevent the Common Cold, Part Four >>