7 cold and flu myths you should stop believing
Learn the facts about the common cold and the flu, and protect yourself and your community.
Jan, 2026
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Slide 1
The trees are losing leaves, the air is cooler, and the sun sets earlier. Once fall is in full swing, flu season and the rise of other infections, like colds, is also on the way. Before long, it may seem like everyone you know is sick. And sometimes, myths or misconceptions about the flu or colds (things that aren't really true) may make it harder to know what to do, or how to avoid getting sick. Learn the facts to keep yourself and your family healthy this season.
Written byChristina Donnelly.
Medically reviewed byMark Arredondo, MD.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Seasonal Flu: Burden of Flu. Page last reviewed October 4 + 7
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Seasonal Flu: Burden of Flu. Page last reviewed October 4, 2022.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Seasonal Flu: Who is at higher risk of flu complications. Page last reviewed September 6, 2022.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Seasonal Flu: Key facts about seasonal flu vaccine. Page last reviewed December 19, 2022.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Common colds: protect yourself and others. Page last reviewed November 29, 2021.
- National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus: Common cold. Accessed on February 24, 2023.
- National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin C fact sheet for health professionals. Page last updated March 26, 2021.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Seasonal Flu: Prevent Flu: Who should and who should NOT get a flu vaccine. Page last reviewed August 25, 2022.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Seasonal Flu: Cold versus flu. Page last reviewed September 29, 2022.
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