Myths On Fever
  There are many different theories and terms about common colds and other diseases that we as individuals must learn. One of the most fundamental is myths on fever that is related to influenza and the common cold. In this article we review what leads to the transmission of the cold, flu and influenza between people.
What is now known about the transmission of cold viruses indicates that some social niceties are not really as useful as they were thought to be. Covering a sneeze, for example, might be as likely to spread certain colds as letting the sneeze explode rudely into the atmosphere. In an uncovered sneeze the viruses are not concentrated in one place; the hand that traps a sneeze, by contrast, is a focal point of infectious materials that can be transferred to an unfortunate victim. But the whole truth is not that simple. Many viruses spread better through the air than by touch, and the cold sufferer cannot be sure what sort of virus he has. In the balance, the conclusion is: Anyone with a cold should cover the sneeze, then wash his hands as soon as possible.
Handshaking is another of those courteous gestures that can end up passing around cold germs. Though this is viewed as on of the myths on fever you should understand that it aids in the transmission of the flu. Think of a cold sufferer who blows his nose and a few minutes later reaches out a hand in greeting. By now, that hand is a veritable sanctuary for viruses, holding a cold for the next victim. Some experts think it is better manners to keep your hands in your pockets and limit your hearty greetings to words.
Whether to use cloth handkerchiefs or paper facial tissues is another question worth considering in the light of modern knowledge. When handkerchiefs came along as standard equipment for gentlefolk a few centuries ago, they represented a great improvement in hygiene over earlier nose-blowing manners. As recently as the 16th Century, the great Dutch philosopher Erasmus felt it necessary to warn in his Little Book of Good Manners for Children, “To blow your nose on your hat or clothing is rustic, and to do so with the arm or elbow befits a tradesman.” His advice: “It is proper to wipe the nostrils with a handkerchief, and to do this while turning away, if more honorable people are present.’ Erasmus was closer to the truth than he knew. Handkerchiefs, researchers can now confirm, do a reasonably good job of trapping nasal discharge and the viruses that may go with it. So do face masks, particularly if they are the very tight-fitting—and uncomfortable—type used by surgeons in operating rooms. This gentle man was a protagonist of several myths on fever related to influenza.
The material of which these crude breath filters are made is also important. Researchers at the University of Virginia noted that cotton, paper tissues and other relatively porous fabrics have the further advantage of absorbing and, over several hours, apparently neutralizing viruses that are still alive and raring to go on harder-finished fabrics such as nylon and polyester, which are less absorbent than cotton or paper.
A problem with even the best handkerchief is what to do with it once it is used. As the advertising slogan of a facial tissue manufacturer said, “Don’t put a cold in your pocket.” A handkerchief becomes a little more contaminated each time it is used and so do other objects it touches, including the hand that wields it. Paper tissues, discarded after a single use, have the advantages of porous fabric while offering fewer opportunities for passing viruses on. Experimental tissues impregnated with virus-killing chemicals are being tested on crew members of an isolated South Pole research camp in hope of making the tissues even more effective than they are now. We encourage all readers to do research to protect themselves by being misinformed due to these myths on fever.
The one thing that is clear is that trying to break the chain of transmission in colds is an important part of cold prevention not only for the cold sufferer but for the healthy person as well. Interrupting the transmission of the virus can never provide full proof against colds by itself, but it can help and it can also help block the spread of other, potentially more serious, infections. The effort required is small; the techniques are those of elementary sanitation. When anyone in your family has a cold, insist that the other members protect themselves with frequent hand washings, especially after spending time in the same room with the victim.
The responsible cold sufferer should do the same (youngsters can be taught the habit at an early age). Also, do whatever is needed to promote air circulation in the house; stuffy interiors do everyone a disservice. Provide the sick person with an ample supply of facial tissues and a place to deposit them: A paper bag reserved for tissues only is the most efficient arrangement, Members of the household should use separate face soaps, towels and wash cloths. This is definitely not one of the myths on common cold and fever.
Some other precautions often recommended may not help as much as many people think. Because the most important cold viruses the rhino type do not seem to enter the body through the mouth, separate or disposable drinking glasses and dinnerware may be less valuable protection against colds than separate towels. However, other kinds of virus and bacteria may infect by way of the mouth, and hands that touch a drinking glass may pick up viruses that are transmitted later on to the nose or eyes. For these reasons glasses and dinner- ware should not be overlooked as transmitters of disease. Perhaps the most important commandment of anti-cold sanitation is: Keep hands away from nose and eyes. The nose and eyes are, after all, the principal route of attack a cold virus can take. Anyone who could keep all viral invaders away from these portals might never catch a cold. |
