ROCHESTER, N.Y. — As the cold and flu season hits Monroe County hard, many are wondering which remedies actually work. News10NBC’s Brett Davidsen spoke with Dr. Lorinda Parks, Regional Medical Director of Primary Care for Rochester Regional Health, to debunk some common myths about cold treatments.
Brett Davidsen, News10NBC: “Take antibiotics to fight a cold. Does that do anything?”
Dr. Lorinda Parks: “It only really works against bacterial components. So the common cold is 99+% related to a virus, so it’s not going to do anything.”
When it comes to the old saying “feed a cold, starve a fever,” Dr. Parks explored the research.
Dr. Lorinda Parks: “It shows up that when you give nutritional supplements to people who are quite sick, those sometimes do help people who have really bad viruses, colds. So maybe there’s a little bit of truth to it. It’s not going to tip things one way or another.”
Davidsen also asked about the benefits of chicken soup.
Dr. Lorinda Parks: “Not that we can detect. So, when we do studies where we have some people with chicken noodle soup, some with not, it’s not really going to help. But take it, it feels good. Go for it.”
Vitamin C is another popular remedy.
Dr. Lorinda Parks: “If you do find yourself getting a cold, vitamin C is sort of one of the vitamins you need to help boost your immune system, so it can reduce the duration of the cold.”
One of the most dangerous myths, according to Dr. Parks, is the belief that you’re not contagious unless you have a fever.
Dr. Lorinda Parks: “Now this is the one that’s most dangerous — that is false. Adults often don’t mount a fever and are as sick as other people. People may be very sick and not have a fever. And secondly, you are contagious well before the fever and after the fever.”
Lastly, the idea that going outside with wet hair will give you a cold was addressed.
Dr. Lorinda Parks: “Turns out, a virus, contagious — that you touch on your hand, get through your eyes, mouth — is the thing that causes virus. Not being out in the cold.”
While there is no cure for the common cold, symptoms can be treated with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications. Dr. Parks emphasizes that hand-washing is the most effective way to reduce infections. So, feel free to go out with wet hair, but remember to wash your hands.
Fact Check: Medical expert separates cold remedy facts from fiction WHEC.com.
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