Chicken soup not so hot?

If people believed all the old wives' tales about catching and preventing colds and flu, they would stock their cupboards with chicken soup all winter and never step out into the cold. But the myths often have no place in scientific reality, so if you wonder whether you should starve a cold and feed a fever (or if you've got it the wrong way around), try this quiz (originally written by the American Lung Association).

Myth: Spending time outside in cold weather can cause a cold or flu.

Fact: Exposure to cold weather does not bring on a cold or flu. It can, however, cause pneumonia, which can come about when someone already has the flu. This is the most serious complication of the flu and is more likely to occur in the elderly and people whose immune systems have been weakened by other medical conditions.

Myth: It is possible to catch the flu from a flu shot.

Fact: The flu vaccine is made from an inactive virus, so it is impossible to get the flu from it. Some people may be sore where the vaccine is injected and may feel unwell for a couple of days with fever and muscle aches. Anyone who is acutely ill with fever or is allergic to egg or another component of the vaccine should not get the flu shot.

Myth: An upset stomach is a symptom of the flu.

Fact: Stomach distress is rarely a symptom of the flu. Other viruses, bacteria and food poisoning are more common causes of nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Myth: Large doses of vitamin C can prevent colds and cure them quickly.

Fact: This is not proven, although consuming the daily requirement of vitamin C is good for overall health.

Myth: Herbal treatments such as echinacea and zinc will cure a cold quickly.

Fact: To date, there is no conclusive scientific evidence that either can cure or prevent a cold. The best way to avoid a cold is to avoid close contact with others who have it, wash hands frequently and avoid eye and nose rubbing.

Myth: A bowl of chicken soup and hot toddies can help cure a cold.

Fact: Chicken soup has no power to cure a cold. However, hot liquids can soothe a scratchy throat or a cough. Hot toddies should also be avoided during a cold. Alcoholic beverages can increase the body's chance of dehydration, and therefore make symptoms worse.

Myth: It is best to starve a cold and feed a fever.

Fact: Neither of these is a good remedy. When fighting a cold or fever, the body needs plenty of fluids from water or juices and enough food to satisfy an appetite.

Written by everybody.