WINTER HEALTH MYTHS BUSTED

CAN A BOWL OF CHICKEN SOUP HELP FIGHT A COLD? “There’s no scientific evidence to say it can, but in many cultures it’s a traditional treatment for cold symptoms. The premise behind it includes the effect of heat/steam, rehydration and easy feeding for a sore throat and poor appetite. Most chicken soups are nutritious: chicken contains amino acids to heal and repair tissues. Carrots provide vitamin A, a potent antioxidant for the immune response, and chicken stock (preferably made from scratch) contains zinc and gelatin, which may help fight a cold when consumed in high amounts.”

Robbie Clark SHOULD YOU AVOID DAIRY WHEN YOU HAVE A CHESTY COUGH? “No. This is an old wives’ tale – countless studies have shown no link between dairy and an increase in mucus. If dairy comforts you when you’re sick there’s no need to avoid it – and it’s a good source of immune-supporting zinc, so it will likely do more good than harm.”

Peta Teuma WHY DO WE GET SICK MORE DURING WINTER? “Cold, rainy days force us to huddle together inside or on public transport and it’s much easier for influenza to infect others if we’re all within sneezing distance. There’s also a ‘Goldilocks Zone’ in your nose where your body temperature is not too hot and not too cold to grow common cold viruses. Hot weather makes the area smaller, but cold weather makes the area larger, so it’s easier for cold viruses to grow and cause infection during winter.”

Dr Brad Mckay

IS IT TRUE THE FLU VACCINE CAN MAKE YOU GET A BAD FLU?

“No. The flu vaccine doesn’t contain any virus, so it’s impossible. You might get a sore arm, a fever or achy muscles for a couple of days, but these side effects are nothing compared to being infected with influenza. The flu vaccine is often blamed for making people sick, but they would have got sick anyway during ‘flu season’.”

Dr Brad Mckay