Fact check on myths surrounding colds – what’s really true?
Content-Team SWICA
Your nose is running, your throat is sore and you have a headache – most of us recognise the typical symptoms of a cold from having had them before. Cold season is when these types of complaints abound, and there are many myths surrounding this topic.
Myth 1: Colds are caused by the cold
False. Although colds are common in winter, low temperatures alone do not trigger a cold. Moving between the cold outside and warm temperatures indoors poses a challenge to your immune system. Dry heated air can also dehydrate our mucous membranes, causing them to lose their natural protection against viruses and bacteria. This means that cold temperatures only have an indirect effect.
Myth 2: A cold can develop into flu
False. The symptoms of cold and flu are similar, which is why colds are categorised as a type of influenza-like illness. But the two conditions are triggered by different viruses. Colds only develop into flu if you get infected by a flu virus on top of the cold virus because your immune system is weak.
Myth 3: A flu shot also protects you against colds
False. Since flu and the common cold are caused by different viruses, a flu shot won’t prevent you from catching cold. Even so, it makes sense to have a flu vaccination because flu takes a much more severe course than a cold.
SWICA Flu Ticker
The SWICA Flu Ticker has been back in action since the start of November. This is your port of call for weekly updates on the seasonal flu outbreak in Switzerland, with all the key facts including consultation and influenza positivity rates. View the Flu Ticker here (in German).
Myth 4: Stress makes you sick
True. When it’s subjected to prolonged stress our body secretes stress hormones such as cortisol in larger quantities. These hormones weaken the immune system and make us more prone to infection. So rest and relaxation are important if you want to stay healthy.
Myth 5: It’s best to sweat out a fever
False. Your body is weaker when you have a cold, and fever puts it under even greater strain. Most people feel cold when they have a fever, so of course it makes sense to wrap up warm. But wrapping up too warm is counterproductive, as the increase in temperature is also very stressful for the body.
Myth 6: Snuffling is better than blowing your nose
True. Blowing your nose creates a lot of pressure in your throat. This can force germs into your sinuses and lead to inflammation, which will only prolong the cold. So it’s better to sniff.
For your health: santé24 and SWICA Benecura
Do you have a health question? Our physicians and healthcare professionals at santé24 are available 24/7 on +41 44 404 86 86 for SWICA customers. In addition to telephone health advice, patients whose conditions are appropriate for telemedicine can receive medical services such as diagnostics, treatment, and even e-prescriptions for prescription medications.
Do you feel ill? The SWICA Benecura medical app makes it easy to carry out a digital SymptomCheck. You will receive a personal recommendation about what to do next. Send your information in encrypted form to the santé24 online practice for your telephone consultation to significantly shorten the assessment.
