Quote:
Originally Posted by Saturn
Mostly Myth. It’s true that a cold only come form cold viruses - but cold temperatures have ways of suppressing an immune system response. so Hence in the winter when it’s the "cold season". It’s not that cold temperature gives you a cold virus -, just makes you more susceptible to catch a cold virus.
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This is true because catching a cold, requires being in contact with a cold virus. The cold virus actually does not survive as long a period of time in the cold. The other factor is that our immune system and immune response are not quite as good when subjected to cold temperatures.
So, if you don't want to catch a cold, don't subject yourself to a cold virus! LOL.
Although, you can do many common things to protect yourself. The cold virus is most easily caught through contact of mucous membranes. So, try not to touch your eyes with your hands. Wash your hands more often. Use Soap. Water doesn't kill bacteria, soap does. This won't help with Viruses, as viruses are not killed by soap, so the act of washing your hands helps because you are mechanically rubbing the virus off your skin, and washing it down the drain.
Cold viruses will be at the places people touch most. Doornobs, handles, keyboards, mice, cell phones, are all good places that are more likely to be "hot" with viruses. Use something like a clorox wipe on these things every once in a while. Other cleansers that say they are effective against viruses will work, but be sure to read the label and follow the directions. Many state they must be sprayed onto the surface and allowed to stay for a minute or more.
Wash your food, even things like oranges that you plan to peel and eat. The act of cutting through the skin, or handling the orange can transfer viruses and bacteria from the outside to the inside. (Imagine how many people might have touched that orange in the grocery... That's why you want to wash it!) Use a cleaner meant for cleaning vegetables, or use a very mild solution of bleach and water, use a teaspoon of bleach in a gallon of water, and soak for 5 minutes. A little quicker is to use one part white vinegar or lemon juice, and 3 parts water. Put in a spray bottle that you keep on your counter. spray an apple or orange to wet it well, about 6 sprays, rub around with your hands (This is also sanitizing your hands quite nicely...) and rinse under running water. One study I saw said this procedure was not necessary for things like lettuce that are difficult to clean, as a good clean water rinse removes about 98% of contaminants.
In the end, you can lessen your chances by taking some precautions. Since nobody wants to live like the "boy in the bubble" at some point you just have to take your chances, and hope that your immune system will ward off the few baddies you come into contact with. At some point you will lose the battle, and catch a cold. Then continue to take the precautions, as this will help those around you from catching your cold. Some things are just not meant to be shared!
Myth or Fact?
