Flu Myths: What You Need to Know, According to a Doctor
- Doctor Anywhere Team
- 9 hours ago
- 5 min read
Every flu season, we hear the same pieces of advice: don’t go out with wet hair, sip on chicken soup, and bundle up to avoid getting sick. But how many of these are actually backed by science?
To help us separate the facts from fiction, we spoke with Dr. Zetch Cruz-Ram, MD FPCOM, Medical Director of Doctor Anywhere Philippines. In this interview, she clears up some of the most common flu myths and explains what really helps when it comes to preventing and managing the flu.
Whether you’ve caught the flu before or you’re just trying to stay healthy this rainy season, it’s worth checking if what you believe still holds up.
Myth 1- You can catch the flu from going out in cold weather without a jacket, with wet hair, or by sitting near a drafty window.
“You cannot catch the flu simply from being cold, having wet hair, or sitting near a drafty window,” explains Doc Z. “The flu is caused by the influenza virus, which spreads primarily through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.”
However, she adds that cold weather can play an indirect role in flu transmission. “Cold weather can contribute indirectly,” she explains. “People tend to stay indoors in close proximity to others during cold weather, increasing the chances of virus transmission. Dry air in winter can also dry out nasal passages, making it easier for viruses to enter the body. Some studies even suggest that the influenza virus survives better in cold, dry conditions.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, not by cold air. So while chilly weather itself won’t make you sick, the conditions it creates can put you more at risk.
Myth 2- Chicken soup will speed up your recovery from the flu.
“Chicken soup won’t cure the flu or directly speed up recovery in a medical sense,” says Doc Z. “But it can help relieve symptoms and make you feel better.”
She explains that while it’s not a miracle medicine, it does have some real benefits, “The warm broth can soothe a sore throat and help keep you hydrated. Steam from the soup may help loosen congestion. Plus, a warm, comforting meal can lift your mood when you’re feeling unwell.”
So while your favorite bowl of chicken soup isn’t a cure, it can definitely play a helpful supporting role. According to Mayo Clinic, rest, hydration, and antiviral medication (in some cases) are your best bets for flu recovery. Chicken soup helps with the comfort factor, but it’s not a substitute for medical care.
Myth 3- You can't spread the flu if you're feeling well.
“You can spread the flu even if you're feeling well, especially in the early stages of infection,” Doc Z explains.
People infected with the flu can be contagious a day before symptoms appear and up to a week or more after becoming sick. That means you could unknowingly pass the virus to others while going about your day.
Myth 4- Healthy people don’t need a flu vaccine.
“The flu can cause serious illness even in healthy individuals,” says Doc Z. “And getting vaccinated protects the people around you, too.”
Here’s why the flu shot matters for everyone:
It helps protect high-risk groups: infants, elderly, pregnant people, and immunocompromised individuals.
It can lessen the severity of illness, even if you do catch the flu.
It reduces the risk of complications, hospitalization, and missed work or school.
This is a classic case of prevention being better than cure, and part of your responsibility to the community.
Myth 5- The flu vaccine can cause severe side effects.
“The flu vaccine is very safe for most people, and severe side effects are extremely rare,” Doc Z assures.
Most side effects are mild and temporary:
Soreness at the injection site
Low-grade fever
Fatigue or mild body aches
Serious reactions like anaphylaxis are extremely rare, estimated at about 1 in a million doses, according to the CDC. And no, the flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. It uses inactivated virus or viral proteins, not live virus.
Why It Matters to Know the Facts
Misinformation, even well-meaning advice passed down from family or friends, can delay treatment or lead to poor flu prevention habits. “If you feel unwell, whether you think it’s the flu or something else, talk to a healthcare provider. And don’t wait too long.”
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Sources:
1. Dr. Cruz-Ram, Zetch. Interviewed on 13 May 2025.
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