Fumigation with vinegar or disinfection, four bad ways to prevent colds, beware

To prevent colds, in addition to the common sense of washing hands frequently, opening windows more often, drinking more water, and not staying up late, some people have their own little tricks. Are these tricks reliable?

Myth 1: Using medical disinfectants

Some people use alcohol, peracetic acid, soda water, etc. from hospitals to disinfect their homes to prevent influenza. Experts say: "Generally speaking, even during the influenza season, there is no need to excessively disinfect your home. If there are infectious patients at home, you can wipe them with an appropriate amount of chlorine-containing disinfectant and then wipe them dry with clean water."

This is because alcohol is a medium-acting disinfectant, commonly used at a concentration of 75%. It can kill most bacteria, fungi and viruses, but cannot kill bacterial spores and some hydrophilic viruses, such as hepatitis A virus and polio virus. In addition, when the wind blows, dust falls and the areas where the alcohol has been wiped will be covered with bacteria again.

However, peracetic acid and soda water are highly acidic and have a high degree of oxidation. They are unsafe for the human body and need to be used under the guidance of professionals. They are not safe for ordinary people to use at home.

Myth 2: Taking Isatis root can prevent influenza

From SARS to the current H7N9 avian influenza, whenever a respiratory infectious disease strikes, people always think of Isatis root. Some families always have Isatis root on hand, and as soon as they hear that the flu is coming, they immediately make two packets for each family member.

Experts say that Isatis root does have antiviral effects, but it is also a medicine and has the same side effects. In addition, isatis root cannot prevent influenza, and people with weak spleen and stomach should not take it. Excessive intake can also cause adverse reactions in digestive and hematopoietic functions.

Myth 3: Steaming vinegar to disinfect and prevent influenza

Steaming vinegar in the room to prevent colds was extremely popular during the SARS period. To this day, many people still believe that closing doors and windows and boiling vinegar in containers such as casseroles can have a disinfecting and sterilizing effect. Ms. Sun poured vinegar into the facial steamer she used for beauty treatments at home, hoping to use the steam to disinfect the air in her home. As a result, after the fumigation, the whole family experienced difficulty breathing, sore throats and nausea.

Experts said that whether "fumigation with vinegar" can cure viral infections is still controversial, and there is no scientific evidence to prove that fumigation with vinegar has a reliable killing effect on bacteria and viruses. If vinegar is used for a long time in a closed space, the concentration of vinegar in the air will be too high, which will not only cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing and nausea, but also cause damage to the skin and respiratory mucosa. Because acetic acid has an irritating effect on the respiratory mucosa, it will aggravate the condition of patients with tracheitis, emphysema, asthma, etc. Therefore, patients with chronic respiratory diseases at home should not use vinegar for fumigation.

Myth 4: If you get a flu shot, you won’t catch a cold again

Influenza is an acute upper respiratory tract infectious disease caused by influenza virus. The flu vaccine is only effective against one or several viruses that cause influenza, and is not effective against the common cold caused by cold. It is also important to note that the flu vaccine is only valid for one year. Due to the constant mutation of the virus, the flu vaccine may not be the same every year. Therefore, after one year, you will need to be re-vaccinated. It takes half a month for the human body to produce antibodies after vaccination. During this period, if patients with weak immunity encounter the influenza virus, they will still be infected.

Some people think that the flu vaccine is not 100% effective, so why should I get it? In this regard, the flu vaccine is the most effective way known to prevent influenza. Since influenza is not the same as the common cold, it can aggravate underlying diseases, cause secondary pneumonia, and is prone to various complications and even life-threatening. Therefore, he still recommends that the elderly, children, women planning to become pregnant, and the weak get a flu shot every year.

How to prevent colds correctly

Experts say that to prevent colds, we must first keep our home clean. Some elderly people like to pile up clutter at home, or even pick up trash outside and bring it home to collect. This practice can easily bring germs into your home and affect your health. Bedding should also be turned over and dried frequently to prevent virus invasion.

It is also necessary to wash your hands frequently, especially after coming into contact with secretions such as snot. You must wash your hands immediately with running water. Do not just wipe them and leave it at that. The palms, backs of your hands, and between your fingers must all be washed.

In addition, drinking plenty of water, maintaining moderate exercise, ensuring adequate sleep, and avoiding crowded places are also the best ways to prevent colds.