Ten health myths and legends

Although Vitamin C is an important part of a balanced diet research does not support claims that it can prevent colds. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Legend has it that people once believed epidemics were caused by the stars' influence, thereby giving influenza its name.

Few in the 21st century would believe that theory, but even today, misconceptions about the flu spread as easily as the virus itself. Should you dose up on Vitamin C, feed a cold and starve a fever, or wear a hat? Or are those just old wives' tales? We find the real story behind winter health myths.

1. You can catch the flu from a flu shot

Not true, says Wellington GP Dr David Velvin. "The flu vaccine is made from an inactivated virus, so you can't actually catch the flu from a flu shot. Some people might develop a fever or muscle aches, or feel unwell for a day or so. But it's not the flu," he says. Recent research from the UK suggests exercising your arm a few hours before a flu shot can help your body deal with the vaccine, and enhance the production of antibodies.

2. Large doses of vitamin C can prevent cold or flu

Research from the University of Helsinki found no evidence to suggest vitamin C can fight a cold.

"But," says Dr Velvin, "it's still important to overall health to consume the minimum daily requirement of Vitamin C," says Dr Velvin. That's 75 and 90 mg/day for adults. Smokers should add an extra 35mg.

3.Chicken soup can cure a cold

Wrong again. "Chicken soup and other hot liquids, even honey, can hydrate and soothe a sore throat, but they contain no special powers to cure a flu or cold," says Dr Velvin. "As for hot toddies, any beverage containing alcohol should really be avoided when you're sick."

4. Starve a fever, feed a cold

This old chestnut has been around forever, but Dr Velvin says there's no truth to it. "When you have a cold or flu, your body is under stress fighting the viral infection. Big meals can take a lot of energy to digest, precious energy your body could be using to fight the infection.

"Eat balanced small meals and drink lots of liquids."

5. You lose half your body heat through your head

In fact, says Dr Velvin, it's more like 10 per cent. So wearing a hat in winter isn't necessarily more critical than keeping the rest of your body warm, but it's still important as your head and neck do tend to cool faster than the rest of your body.

6. Exfoliating your skin in winter can exacerbate dry patches

True, says dermatologist Dr Cheryl Burgess. "The sloughing causes a bust of cell renewal so when you exfoliate, you're helping new moisture-rich cells move to the surface." The key in winter, says Dr Burgess, is to moisturise thoroughly - occasionally with a hydrating mask - because the skin is weakened after exfoliating. "Enzyme-based exfoliants will deliver results in a far gentler way."

7. Sweat out a cold or flu

Hide under the blankets and put your head over a bucket of steaming water all you like, but Dr Velvin says it won't necessarily help to sweat out a cold. "The heat can provide substantial relief from head and sinus congestion, which can make it easier to sleep, but it won't get rid of your cold."

8. Antibiotics can treat a cold

Colds are caused by viruses, whereas antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections. "If, however, a very bad cold becomes bacterial, your GP may prescribe a course of antibiotics to help with the infection. But it won't cure the actual cold."

9. Kissing spreads colds

Only if you kiss the infected on the nose. "It's the Nasal mucus that carries the cold virus, not saliva, so kissing on the mouth is fine."

10. Sleeping in a draft or exposure to cold weather will cause a cold

To catch a cold, you need exposure to the virus, says Dr Velvin. "Just being exposed to drafts or cold weather won't give you a cold. However, cold weather may decrease your resistance."