Winter Health Myths
Source : Pubdate : 2011/10/31 17:14:00 Author :
Winter health myths are common and although some are silly, some can actually be harmful, such as these:
· You can get the flu from a flu shot. - The flu shot is made from a killed virus so can't cause the flu. Even the nasal spray flu vaccine, although it is made from a live, attenuated virus, doesn't cause the flu.
· Extra vitamins and minerals will keep your kids from getting sick in the winter. - Although some parents load their kids up with extra orange juice and vitamin C and other vitamins that claim to boost their immunity, they likely won't keep your kids from catching colds and the flu during the winter.
· Kids can catch a cold from playing out in the cold weather, especially if you don't wear a jacket or your child's hair is wet. - Colds and the flu are caused by viruses, not by being outside in the cold. Of course, if your child is playing outside with someone who is sick with a cold, then may very well get sick too. Being underdressed in cold weather still isn't a good idea, though.
· You can't get a sunburn during the winter. - Although the sun's rays might not be as strong in the winter as they are in the summer, they can still cause sunburn, especially when they reflect off snow, so be sure to use sunscreen year-round.
· Kids can play outside as long as they want when it's cold. - Kids are at risk for frostbite and hypothermia, so have them come inside to warm up at regular intervals, especially if they start to feel cold or tired.
· Your kids can stop their allergy medicines during the winter. - Not all kids have seasonal allergies that are only triggered during the spring or fall. Some kids have year-round allergies, even during the winter. These children, who may be allergic to dust mites, mold, or pet dander, etc., would likely do well to continue taking their allergy medicines during the winter.
· Kids need an antibiotic every time they have a runny nose, especially once the discharge is green or yellow. - This is perhaps one of the more dangerous winter health myths, as it can lead to the overuse of antibiotics, which aren't needed for most runny noses, as they are often caused by colds and other viruses.
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