Few Common Myths Related to Flu!

Flu is in its full swing this season; everybody is looking for the ways to prevent the flu bug. But there are few myths which have been floating around in this season regarding flu, so how does one actually know, which are the best ways to prevent flu and keep it healthy. Here are few common myths about flu and understanding them can help you in dealing with flu precautions more accurately and keep yourself flu-free this season.

• The virus causing Flu

  – influenza or the flu is a severe respiratory disease and is caused by various influenza viruses. The illness caused by influenza virus can vary from mild to severe and it also might result in death in few cases. The symptoms of influenza are diarrhea, running nose, sore throat, dry cough, vomiting, body and muscle aches, fatigue, headache and fever.

• Myth – sweat out cold or flu by covering yourself with layers of blanket

  – many people believe that covering up yourself with tons of blanket will lead to sweating out cold. The truth is no matter how much you sweat it will not help in recovering up from cold any early. We know that it is really irritating to deal with a disease which cannot be treated with antibiotics but getting yourself soaked up in sweat is definitely not worth an effort.

• Myth – flu shot can lead to flu

  – contrary to the general belief, flu shot is not a subverted form of flu virus. It does contain certain components of flu bug but they are not enough to make you sick.

• Myth – loitering around in wet clothes increases your chances of being sick

  – during fall and winter flu viruses are more common but several studies have proven that staying out in winters does not make you sick. While most of the people stay indoors in winter season and outdoors during the fall which increases their chances of being sick. Also, flu season coincides with the starting of New Year of school when millions of children stay in close quarters.

• Myth – person suffering from cold should be fed while person dealing with fever should be starved

  – this is completely wrong, none of the things should be done to the extremes when treating an illness. It is true that eating can help rebuild immune system as it provides nutrition and energy but over eating or forcing one to eat can make you nauseous. The best thing to do in such circumstances is eat when you are hungry and do not eat when you are not hungry, as simple as that. But also remember to keep yourself hydrated.

• Myth – no one can reduce the duration or severity of flu

  – people think that get-well-quick plans are useless but there is one thing that definitely works, it is called “antiviral medication”. It helps in prevention of reproduction of virus which means it shortens the duration of illness and minimizes the symptoms as well. You need a prescription of a doctor in order to avail these medicines.