Myths about catching a cold

with wet hair will make you sick, the question remains: Does wet hair cause the common cold? The short answer is no.

Colds are caused by viruses, so you can't catch a cold from going outside with wet hair. And wet hair won't make you more attractive to germs.

The same is true with respect to dressing for cold temperatures. While it might be optimal to dress in warmer clothes when it's cold outside, research indicates that cold weather – just like going outside with wet hair –doesn’t make you sick.

People often associate going outside with wet hair or being underdressed with getting sick because exposure to germs is often more likely when you go outside. The common cold is transmitted through bodily fluids, such as when people who are sick sneeze, cough or blow their nose. So, you have just as much of an opportunity to be exposed to germs indoors, especially when you are in close contact with others.

Other myths I’m often asked about include:

Myth: Vitamin C will help stave off illness.

Fact: Though it has been subject to much research, no definitive body of work says high doses of vitamin C prevent or treat colds.

Myth: Starve a fever; feed a cold.

Fact:While it might be hard to remember the adage, the bottom line is that when you don't feel well, eating may not be on the top of your list. And that is OK. Hydration is more important when you are ill. The best advice is to drink plenty of water or other fluid to stay hydrated, and rest and relax.

Myth: Avoid dairy products if you have a cold because they can produce more mucus.

Fact: Ingesting dairy products will not cause more mucus. Most likely, the texture of certain foods

The team’s gold medal win was due to the closeness they had with each other, Kraemer said.

“We’re each other’s best friends, they’re all like my sisters and we’re all family. The coaches did a terrific job at keeping us together and emphasizing what it means to be a good teammate and what makes or drinks may coat your throat, which would give the feeling that you have more phlegm. Certain dairy products can be good when you are under the weather, though. Cold ice cream can soothe a sore throat, and probiotics in yogurt can help alleviate stomach upset if you are taking antibiotics for an infection. Check with your primary health care provider or pharmacist to get a list of foods you should avoid with medications.