Achoo! Do’s, Don’ts, and Myths About the Common Cold

I don't know about you, but I feel the sickness closing in around me with friends and family catching the flu, common cold or just the case of the sniffles.

Well, when that happens to you, make sure you adhere to the following tips and tricks on what you should and shouldn't do when you're under the weather.

DO get plenty of rest and drink fluids

This one seems obvious, but it's important to remember that your body is fighting a war against the virus, so your energy reserves are tapped out and must be replenished with full night's rest and naps here and there, if possible.

Also, don't forget the fluids. Water is your best choice, but juice, tea, and soup broth are other good options.

DON'T consume salty foods or caffeine

This one's tough for me, since my go-to snack when I'm sick is Saltine crackers and a little bit of black coffee with honey. Caffeine and salt dehydrate your body, impacting the way your immune cells are transported to fight the virus.

MYTH #1: "You shouldn't drink milk when you're sick". This has actually been debunked as milk doesn't produce more phlegm, as many of thought for years. Instead, your brain tricks you into thinking it does after the milk mixes with your saliva, creating a thick liquid that can coat your throat: not phlegm.

DO keep your hands clean

Proper hygiene when you're sick is crucial for not only yourself, but for those around you as well. Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (remember to sing your 'ABCs' from kindergarten).

If sinks aren't in your area, make sure you have hand sanitizer on you with at last 60% alcohol as a good substitute.

MYTH #2: "Only the flu causes fevers". You can actually get a fever with either a cold or the flu, since fevers are just a defense mechanism from your body to fight off foreign invaders.