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How many times do you remember your mother telling you not to go outside without a jacket in cold weather? Did she tell you it would make you sick? Turns out, that is actually a myth. Only germs can make you ill. There are tons of other similar thoughts that people believe. We are here to debunk them and keep you healthy this cold and flu season. Here are some of the most common myths surrounding colds and flu. Which of these have you heard for years and actually believed? 1. If you get your flu vaccine too early, it will wear off before flu season ends This simply isn't true. The earlier you receive your flu vaccine, the better protected you are. The flu vaccine protects you for at least a year. So, don't be afraid to get it during late summer months. It will just help protect you if the flu season starts early. You will still be protected come late winter or early spring. 2. You can get the flu from a flu shot Many people think that the flu shot is a weakened form of a flu virus. However, it only contains components of the flu, not an entire virus, so there is no possible way you can get sick from it. This myth might stem from people already having the virus but no symptoms yet, getting the flu shot and then experiencing symptoms. It is not from the shot itself. 3. Going outside with wet hair or being in wet clothes can make you sick Nope, not true. Being out in the cold can give you a runny nose, but it does not cause a cold or flu. Many studies have found this to be a myth. It is true that illnesses run rampant more often in the fall and winter but this is generally due to people being indoors more often and spreading germs. Read on to the NEXT page for more myths about cold and flu season! 4. Echinacea or zinc can shorten or prevent a cold Neither has shown to be helpful in preventing or shortening colds according to many studies. If either has any benefits, zinc would be more helpful. However, don't bother. Those that feel these work might just be experiencing placebo effects. 5. You can sweat out a cold by covering yourself in blankets via GIPHY An old wive's tale is that you can sweat out a cold by covering yourself in blankets or putting on a bunch of clothes so you sweat. Unfortunately, that doesn't work. Only time will actually make your cold go away, but taking medicine, drinking warm liquids and staying warm can help you feel better in the meantime. 6. Have you ever heard "feed a cold and starve a fever" or vice versa? via GIPHY Either way, you've heard it, neither works. It is pretty common to lose your appetite when you're sick. You don't need to force feed yourself. However, you do need to make sure you are staying hydrated. If you also eat very healthily, it can help you to get better faster. Chicken soup has actually been proven to be helpful for people who are sick. Hot tea with honey can also help make you feel better. 7. You aren't able to reduce the duration of your illness via GIPHY If you get to the doctor quick enough, you can actually reduce the duration of your cold or flu. They might prescribe an antiviral that can help you kick it faster. A young child or elderly person should always see a doctor right away, as the flu can be more serious for them than a healthy adult. Did you previously believe any of these popular myths about the cold and flu? What do you think is the best remedy when you or someone in your family gets sick? If you found this article informative, please SHARE with your friends and family!

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