Blow your nose or do you prefer to raise it? Does washing your hands really make sense? Can vitamin C protect against infection? What experts advise.
Autumn and winter are usually the seasons in which colds with sore throats, coughs and runny noses are more common, but not only then. Viruses and bacteria that cause flu infections can cause symptoms all year round. There is usually an increased risk of contracting the real flu, influenza, until spring - unlike Corona, which basically occurs almost all year round with its characteristic symptoms. Particularly when the air is cool and dry, pathogens and germs have an easier time getting to the respiratory tract via the affected mucous membranes. It is all the more important to know how to protect yourself well against infections and which tips or assumptions should be made with caution.
Cold, flu, corona: How cold, blowing your nose and diet influence
Basically everyone wants to avoid infection with bacteria and viruses - so many things are tried to protect themselves. There's no way to really prevent it, but you can pay attention to certain things to avoid getting infected in the first place. There are various myths surrounding colds. Find out what it's all about.
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Myth 1: Colds are always caused by bacteria
Respiratory infections are caused by various pathogens that attack the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. However, viruses are most often the cause of respiratory infections, according to
the Federal Center for Health Education
. There are numerous different types of respiratory viruses, including the typical “cold viruses” such as rhinoviruses, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as well as the influenza virus, which causes the real flu, and SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen that causes Corona or COVID-19 . In the event of a viral infection, the mucous membrane of the respiratory organs can be damaged to such an extent that susceptibility to bacteria is increased. As a result, in addition to the viral infection, a bacterial superinfection can develop, such as sinusitis, bronchitis or, in rare cases, pneumonia. To avoid this, sick people should take it as easy as possible and cure the viral infection.
Myth 2: Colds come from cold
Since colds are usually caused by viral infections such as rhinoviruses, which are active and circulate all year round, infection can occur regardless of the outside temperature or cold. Although low temperatures can further weaken the immune system, cold as such is not the cause of colds.
Myth 3: Washing your hands does not protect against infections
Whether it's blowing your nose, using the toilet, petting animals or preparing raw meat, your hands are inevitably in contact with germs - including those that cause illness. When shaking hands or using shared objects, pathogens can easily pass from one hand to the other. Infection can occur as soon as someone directly touches their face with their hands and the pathogens enter the body through the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose or eyes. Anyone who washes their hands regularly, especially after contact with germs, can effectively break this chain of transmission, explains the
Federal Center for Health Education
. Washing your hands can ultimately protect against infections. If it is not possible to wash your hands, you should at least avoid touching your mouth, eyes or nose with your hands or eating food with your hands. It also helps to carry hand sanitizer with you in case of emergencies.
Myth 4: Vitamin C protects against colds
In some cases, vitamin C can have a positive effect on the course of a cold, i.e. promote the healing process, but an extra intake through the diet or even dietary supplements does not protect against infection. Studies show that only people who are exposed to intensive physical activity - such as athletes or soldiers - can use vitamin C to reduce their susceptibility to infections by almost half.
Myth 5: Blowing your nose is better than turning your nose up
Pulling up and swallowing nasal mucus is often viewed as gross and unhygienic, even though doctors actually recommend it. This is because the tiny hairs in the nasal mucosa transport the mucus towards the stomach, where the stomach acid can kill any germs. This is a natural defense mechanism of the body. In particular, people who have already had sinus surgery are advised to pull up nasal mucus instead of blowing their nose. In this way, you can prevent more mucus from being pushed into the sinuses, germs from settling and multiplying there and causing an infection.
Myth 6: Flu and flu-like infection are the same thing
Flu is generally an infection with the influenza virus, which can sometimes cause severe symptoms and complaints. Doctors speak of a flu-like infection when cold symptoms - cough, fever, headache and body aches - are similar to those of the flu. Ultimately, the pathogen causing a flu infection is usually the same as that causing a cold, for example rhinoviruses.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.