The average Canadian catches a cold between two and five times a year. Many theories exist as to how and why colds are “caught.” Here are a few of the more common cold myths.

• Myth (and partial fact): ot dressing warmly enough in cold weather, or sitting around in damp clothes will make a person catch a cold. While colds are not influenced by the wearing of insufficient clothing or damp socks, wearing a scarf over your nose in cold weather may actually decrease the likelihood of catching one. A study from the University of Cardiff in Wales suggests that a too-cool nose lowers resistance to infection, making the use of a scarf a possible way to reduce risk.
• Myth: A “hot toddy” will help cure a cold. Unfortunately, comforting alcoholic drinks will contribute to dehydration—which can compound the effects of a cold or the flu.
• Myth: Antibiotics will help cure a cold. Although antibiotics are sometimes prescribed for a respiratory tract infection, it’s because the doctor suspects the infection is due to a bacterium and not a virus. Antibiotics will not help cure a cold or the flu as these infections are caused by a virus.
• Feed a cold, starve a fever. There is absolutely no truth to this belief. Eating light but well and drinking lots of fluids will help speed recovery from colds and accompanying fevers.