January 9, 2013 (The Record, Bergen County, NJ) -- Mom always
reminded us to bundle up and don't go outside with wet hair to
prevent catching a cold. But as cold season rolls around each
winter, doctors remind us that catching the common cold has
nothing to do with frigid temperatures and a lot more to do with
being cooped up inside in dry air. "Being indoors is more risky,
you're at more risk for exposure to people with the virus," said
Dr. Steven Weisholtz, chief of infectious disease at Englewood
Hospital and Medical Center. If you do find yourself sniffling
and sneezing, keep in mind there is no cure for the cold virus;
antibiotics, used to treat bacterial infections, will not help.
"You have to let nature take its course," said Weisholtz.
Drinking lots of fluids is the best you can do, he said, and
decongestants can be used to relieve nasal symptoms. Some
experts have suggested that cold season offers a chance for
children to build up their immunities. Bah, humbug to the cold
bug on that, responds Dr. Je