The facts and fictions of cold and flu season

Have you ever heard the age-old saying, "Feed a cold, starve a fever," or been told that chicken soup can cure an illness? Maybe your parents warned you that going out into the cold without a coat or with wet hair could make you sick.

If you've ever wondered what's fact and what's fiction, look no further. Below, we bust six common viral season myths and help set the record straight. 

Myth #1: The flu vaccine can give you the flu

The flu vaccine, also known as the influenza vaccine or flu shot, cannot give you the flu (influenza). The vaccine protects us from flu strains that are expected to spread during flu season. It’s made with deactivated or weakened versions of the flu virus, which prompt our bodies to produce antibodies. Those antibodies help fend off flu viruses. Mild side effects may occur, including soreness or swelling around the injection area, muscle aches, nausea, fever and headache. But again, the idea that the vaccine can cause the flu is entirely false.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that almost everyone over 6 months of age receive an annual flu vaccination, except for those allergic to the vaccine or its ingredients. Scheduling your child's flu vaccine before flu season ramps up is a smart idea. It's the best way to prevent the flu and keep your family healthy.

Myth #2: Feed a cold, starve a fever

When your child is sick, you may find yourself trying to remember if the saying is, "Feed a cold, starve a fever," or the other way around. But the truth is, it doesn't matter. You should feed (and hydrate) both — and starve neither. 

Colds and fevers can both cause fluid loss in the body. Losing too much fluid can lead to dehydration, which can introduce other symptoms, such as dizziness, headache, fatigue, muscle cramps and dry mouth. These symptoms can make a person feel worse and make it harder to recover.

When sick, your child may not want to eat much, if at all. But keeping them hydrated is critical. You can offer them plenty of fluids, such as water, Pedialyte, sports drinks/juice diluted with water, warm broth and even popsicles.

Myth #3: Chicken soup can cure a cold or the flu

Chicken soup will not cure anything, but it is a healthy choice because it provides fluids that can help your child stay hydrated. It also provides nourishment and calories that the body needs to help fight illness. Warm soup can also provide comfort, help ease a sore throat and relieve nasal congestion. 

Myth #4: Cold weather can make you sick

Cold weather alone doesn't make us sick. Neither does going out into the cold with wet hair. However, cold weather can increase our chances of getting sick. That’s because when the weather is colder, people tend to spend more time indoors, which makes it easier for viruses to spread. Certain viruses also thrive in colder, dryer environments, meaning they stick around longer on surfaces and in our air.

Encouraging your child to practice good hygiene, like washing their hands often and covering their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, is an excellent way to prevent the spread of illness. Promoting a healthy lifestyle with adequate rest, nutritious foods and regular exercise is also great for supporting the immune system, which helps protect us from getting sick. 

Myth #5: You lose the majority of body heat through your head

We do lose some body heat through our heads, but not considerably more than other body parts. And it's certainly not up to 45 percent, as the superstition suggests. 

However, having your child bundle up and wear a hat when it's cold outside is a good idea to prevent exposed skin and ears, which can lead to frostbite. Dressing warmly can also help them maintain their body temperature and keep their immune system strong. 

Myth #6: Antibiotics can help treat a virus

Antibiotics don't cure colds, the flu or other illnesses caused by viruses. They fight infections caused by bacteria. Taking antibiotics for a virus can do more harm than good. Frequent antibiotic overuse can lead to antibiotic resistance, which means they can be less effective when needed to treat a bacterial infection. 

If your child is sick, it's best to let your doctor determine the best course of action. Antibiotics are often not the best treatment. 

Prevention: Back to the basics 

As we enter cold and flu season, prevention is key. Staying up to date on recommended vaccines, practicing frequent hand washing and getting enough sleep can help keep those nasty viruses at bay. And, of course, keeping your child home when they’re sick can prevent them from spreading illnesses. 

If your child does get sick and isn’t improving after 5-7 days — or if their symptoms worsen — it's best to check in with their doctor. The Children’s Wisconsin app (free to download) has a symptom checker that can help you decide whether your child needs to be seen by a doctor or not. Children’s Wisconsin also provides urgent care at six locations in Southeast Wisconsin (you can reserve your spot online) as well as online urgent care video visits. 

Bradley Julga, MD Pediatrician Southwest Pediatrics

Children’s Wisconsin has more than 20 primary care offices conveniently located throughout the Milwaukee area and southeast Wisconsin. Find a pediatrician near you.