Don’t fall for these 4 respiratory infection myths

Respiratory infections are a common foe in the fall and winter months. Just as common are the myths surrounding them.

Does cold weather actually make you sick? Can vitamin C stop a cold in its tracks? Does green or yellow mucus mean you need antibiotics?

Gretchen LaSalle, MD, a family medicine physician at MultiCare Rockwood Clinic – Quail Run dispels some persistent misconceptions about how respiratory infections spread, how to treat them and what prevention strategies are likely to work.

Myth: You can get sick from being outside in the cold.
Truth: Exposure to the cold alone does not cause respiratory infections.

Germs like viruses and bacteria, not the chill in the air, are the culprit behind respiratory infections. So, why the uptick in illness when the temperature dips?

“In the fall and winter, we tend to spend more time indoors in close proximity to one another, sometimes in places that aren’t well-ventilated, so it’s easier for germs to spread,” Dr. LaSalle says. “Plus, some viruses tend to be more stable in colder rather than warmer temperatures.”

While cold weather doesn’t directly cause respiratory infections, it can affect the functioning of your immune system. A study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology shows that cold temperatures can lower the immune response in the nose — the part of the body where you’re likely to first encounter germs — potentially making you more susceptible to getting sick.

So when the weather turns brisk, it’s a good idea to bundle up. Your immune system will thank you.

Myth: A respiratory infection isn’t contagious without symptoms.
Truth: You can spread respiratory infections even if you’re symptom-free.

Many viruses are contagious before they cause symptoms like coughing and sneezing. That’s what makes them so adept at spreading from person to person. In fact, some viruses are most contagious in that brief period between exposure and onset of symptoms.

“We see this a lot with COVID,” Dr. LaSalle says. “People who have it, but don’t have symptoms, or who have really mild symptoms, can easily spread it to others.”

Washing your hands consistently, even when you feel well, is one way to help stop the spread of germs. Visit our Respiratory Illnesses page for more tips on how to protect yourself and others.

Myth: You can prevent respiratory infections by taking vitamin C supplements.
Truth: Regular use of vitamin C supplements is unlikely to protect most people from respiratory infections.

Found in fruits and vegetables and some fortified foods, vitamin C helps support a healthy immune system. Most people get enough of this nutrient from their diet. If you consume more than the recommended daily amount, your body just eliminates the extra vitamin C because it can’t be stored.

Many people turn to vitamin C supplements to prevent sickness. But studies have shown that long-term use of vitamin C supplements is not effective at preventing respiratory infections in most people. However, some studies show that vitamin C may slightly reduce the duration and severity of a cold if taken before symptoms appear.

Data also suggests that zinc supplements are effective at decreasing the duration of viral illnesses. But as with any supplement, it’s best to consult with your doctor or other health care provider first.

“With supplements, more is not always better, and in some cases more can be harmful,” Dr. LaSalle says. “Your doctor can help you determine if a supplement might be useful for treating your illness and offer guidance about dosing.”

Myth: Green or yellow mucus is a sign you need an antibiotic.
Truth: Discolored mucus does not necessarily indicate the need for antibiotics.

When you have a respiratory infection, you’re likely to experience a range of mucus colors, including yellow and green, over the course of several days. These colors can be associated with both viral and bacterial infections.

Antibiotics are only useful for treating bacterial infections. So, how do you know if you have one?

“Diagnosing a bacterial infection is less about the color of mucus and more about the duration and type of symptoms people are experiencing,” Dr. LaSalle says. “Symptoms like prolonged sinus congestion, a fever, or pain in the face or teeth can indicate the presence of a bacterial infection.”

Even if you have a bacterial infection, antibiotics may not be necessary.

“Some bacterial infections will resolve on their own, without the use of antibiotics,” Dr. LaSalle says. “Depending on your individual situation, we may treat conservatively at first to give your body a chance to fight off an infection on its own.”

If you’re concerned you may have may have a bacterial infection, visit an urgent care clinic or consult with your primary care provider.