The beginning of winter generally means the onslaught of sniffling noses, scratchy throats, achy muscles, and a generally yucky feeling.

Contrary to what your mother said, going outside with a wet head, not wearing a coat, or getting a chill do not cause a cold and have little or no effect on its severity. Colds are caused by viruses and more than 200 different cold-causing viruses are lurking around.

Research suggests, however, that psychological stress, allergies affecting your nose or throat, lack of sleep, and poor eating habits can set you up for getting sick.

Smokers also tend to have more frequent and severe colds because smoking damages the protective barriers in your nose and throat. Even exposure to secondhand smoke can lower your natural defenses.

While you can take precautions to avoid a cold, there is very little you can do to prevent it. The flu is a different matter. The best tool for preventing the flu is the flu vaccine. You need a flu shot every year because the virus constantly changes. New vaccines are developed annually to protect against new strains.

“Another preventive measure you can take against colds and flu is one of the simplest and low tech methods around—serious hand washing,” says Jill Endres, MD, UI Family Care physician. “Infectious diseases are commonly spread through hand-to-hand contact.”

While your body needs good nutrition all the time, it is especially necessary when it is fighting off a cold or flu bug. Remember to stay hydrated. If your stomach is queasy, try some chicken soup for an easily digested meal (at least Mom was right about the chicken soup).

Flue Shots

October and November are the best times to get your flu shot. But you can wait until December or later.

Locate a UI Family Care site and schedule flu shots to protect yourself and your family.

You should get a flu shot if you are at high risk for complications from the flu.

Now what? 

There’s no good cure for a cold or the flu. Antibiotics don’t work against viruses. But you can treat your symptoms to feel better while your body fights the virus.

Home remedies

• Stay home and rest, especially while you have a fever
• Stop smoking
• Drink plenty of liquids, but no alcohol
• Gargle with warm salt water/use throat sprays or lozenges

Over-the-counter remedies

• Aspirin and acetaminophen reduce fever
• Analgesics relieve aches and pains
• Antitussives tell your brain to stop coughing (do not use if you’re coughing up mucus)
• Expectorants help thin mucus so it can be coughed up
• Decongestants shrink nasal passages
• Tiredness
• Feeling lousy all over