Flu Myths

A lot of people believe that colds and the flu are the same thing - they're not. The flu is much more than just a bad cold. This is just one of a number of common myths about the flu - are they worth considering or just a tissue of lies?

Only old people get the flu

It's true that older people are at risk from the flu, but so are people of any age who have certain long term medical conditions. People of all ages are affected by the flu every year.

Coughs and sneezes spread diseases

Flu viruses are spread by spluttering, sneezing and other delightful ways of sharing your mucus. If you see someone building up for a big explosion, move away from the line of fire. There's good news for young lovers: kissing doesn't cause contamination because the mouth is relatively sterile.

Feed a cold and starve a fever

If you're sick you need nutrients and liquids - even if you don't feel like it, you'd do well to try and give your body a little bit of what it needs.

Injection misdirection

Don't be put off by the suggestion that the flu vaccination will give you the flu. It is not full of live flu bugs but instead injects you with bits of dead flu virus. This means that you won't catch the flu from the vaccine.

Mercury in the jab

Contrary to what you may be told there is no mercury in any flu vaccine in Scotland.

Chicken soup and whisky

Although chicken soup might soothe and nourish there is no actual evidence that it gets rid of the flu. Neither is there any back-up for the notion that hot toddies are the trick. Alcohol is best avoided altogether if you're feeling under the weather, but the chicken soup is probably a good idea - even if it won't actually cure the flu, it is comforting.