myths about the common cold

Sorry, Mom and Dad, but not true. The only way to catch a cold is by picking up a virus. Being cold will not give you a cold. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) acknowledges that colds tend to be more common in the colder-weather seasons, fall and winter, because children are in school, indoors more, and in closer contact with each other, making the virus more easily spread.

This is true. According to the Mayo Clinic, children, especially of preschool age can get up to six to ten colds annually, and some colds can linger for as long as two weeks. By contrast adults get two to four colds a year, on average, and the duration is shorter.

Feed! Feed a cold, feed a fever, says the American Lung Association. Eating small, nutritious meals and snacks promotes heat, which helps produces proteins that fight virus reproduction. And to create that needed heat, the body needs calories to burn. Young and old should eat when they're sick.

Absolutely wrong. In fact, antibiotics can make your child's cold worse. Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria, and colds are all virus based (over 200 different types). According to the National Institutes of Health antibiotics can possibly kill off the good bacteria that your child needs to help fight off infection.

Not true. There's plenty you can do to minimize the occurrence. Colds are inevitable, but there are a few things you can do to get your child to help. The Mayo Clinic suggests you promote regular hand washing with hot water and soap and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer. You can also make sure their toys are clean, by washing them frequently. Encourage your child to cough or sneeze in the bend of their elbow if they can't use a tissue. And don't share utensils or drinking glasses, as this can promote the spread of cold viruses and other harmful bacteria. Also, if you know their siblings or playmates are sick, try to keep them away.

There is much disagreement among expert health organizations about the above. Consult your pediatrician if wish to give your child any additional vitamins or supplements.