Debunked: Will you get the flu or cold after being rained on?

The Nairobi weather seems to have taken a turn to the gloomy side, with heavy clouds covering the sky, ushering in the cold July weather.

This is the season where people get out their warm coats and umbrellas to shield themselves from the cold and the rain.

During this season there is a common myth and misconception that when one is rained on they may contract a flu or a cold.

Citizen Digital spoke to Dr. Raphael Wanga, the General Practitioner at Marina Healthcare, who debunked this myth.

Dr. Wanga first explained the difference between a flu and a cold, terms that many people tend to confuse.

“Flu is generally caused by the influenza virus, while colds are caused by a variety of viruses but mostly called the Rhino virus,” he said.

“A flu tends to generally affect the lower respiratory system and causes Pneumonia and other lower respiratory problems such as breathing, while common colds affect the upper respiratory system. Some common symptoms are sneezing, nasal congestion, throat irritation, headache and fevers.”

The doctor added that flu is usually more severe than a cold because its symptoms are a combination of the symptoms of both the lower and upper respiratory systems.

Dr. Wanga noted that it is not directly true that one gets a flu after being rained on, saying: “During the cold season people tend to spend a lot of time indoors with the windows closed, meaning no flow of fresh air. Usually the flu is airborne so when there is no flow of air, one may acquire a flu.”

For the colds, he stated: “The lining of the nose usually has its own protective mechanism to prevent viruses. It produces extracellular vesicles which prevents viruses from getting into the body. During the cold season, the number of vesicles reduce, meaning any time one is predisposed to the virus since there is not enough protection.”

The doctor highlighted ways to prevent one from acquiring a flu or cold.

”Viruses tend to spread easily because they are airborne, hence it’s important to wear face masks which reduce the chance of acquiring viruses by 90%,” he said.

“The second thing is hand washing; every time you greet somebody who sneezed on their hand, you may acquire the virus because it stays on the body for approximately two hours.”

The medical practitioner further cautioned people against using antibiotics to treat flu or colds.

“Flu or colds are caused by viruses, antibiotics target bacteria, hence the antibiotic does nothing. Continuous use of antibiotics causes the body to have resistance, meaning the pathogens in the body will get used to it,” stated Dr. Wanga.

“This means that when one needs antibiotic to fight bacteria, the body will not use it which will be very sad. Use antihistamines, decongestants and paracetamols.”

Dr. Wanga concluded by saying that medicines do not heal flu and colds, but rather just mitigate the symptoms. Home remedies such as hot water and lemon are also recommended.