The single most common mistake people make when a cold hits is to push through daily activities instead of resting. This insight comes from a Moscow 24 interview with general practitioner and immunologist Irina Yartseva, who emphasizes that early rest is a powerful ally in recovery.
Yartseva explains that continuing to work or overexerting oneself while sick can extend the illness and raise the chance of complications. The body is fighting an invader, and bearing the load of a busy schedule can slow the healing process. As the expert notes, there is also a real danger of spreading the illness to coworkers and others in close contact, which makes taking a break at the onset of symptoms a responsible choice for the individual and those around them.
Another mistake commonly seen, according to the medical professional, is applying home remedies that may do more harm than good. Specifically, rubbing the skin with vodka or vinegar to reduce fever is not only ineffective but potentially dangerous. These products can be absorbed through the skin, and they must be rinsed away with clean water to avoid irritation or toxicity. This guidance reflects a practical approach to fever management that relies on safer, evidence-based methods rather than improvised yet risky practices.
Alongside misguided topical tricks, there is a broader issue of unnecessary antibiotic use. Yartseva underscores that antibiotics have no impact on viruses, including those responsible for common colds. Using antibiotics during a viral illness does not speed up recovery; on the contrary, it can disrupt the body’s natural defenses and contribute to antibiotic resistance. The message is clear and important for anyone managing a viral illness: save antibiotics for confirmed bacterial infections and follow a clinician’s instructions for treatment. In short, antibiotics should not be your first line of defense against a cold, and they should only be prescribed when a bacterial infection is diagnosed.
Dr. Alexey Khuhrev has also weighed in on immune-boosting strategies, cautioning that taking vitamins such as vitamin C as a preventive shield against colds offers little value if there is no underlying deficiency. While vitamins play a crucial role in overall health, the idea that a simple supplement can prevent illness or significantly shorten a cold is not strongly supported by current evidence. Khuhrev’s perspective reinforces the broader point that a balanced approach to wellness—adequate sleep, nutritious food, regular physical activity when appropriate, and good hygiene—remains the best foundation for immune function.
In practical terms, experts advise listeners to listen to their bodies at the first signs of a cold. Rest and hydration should be prioritized, with a focus on warmth, comfort, and symptom management. Light activity can be acceptable for some individuals, but pushing through fatigue or fever is rarely beneficial. For many people, a few quiet days at home can help shorten the course of the illness and prevent the spread of infection to colleagues, family, and friends.
Beyond rest, practical management includes monitoring symptoms and seeking medical advice when warning signals appear. A fever that rises or lasts beyond a few days, difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe dehydration, or confusion requires prompt medical evaluation. For those with chronic conditions or weakened immune systems, professional guidance is especially important, as they may experience more severe symptoms or complications from a routine cold. In such cases, a clinician can determine whether a bacterial infection is present and whether antibiotics or other treatments are appropriate.
Public health guidance also supports straightforward measures to reduce transmission. Regular handwashing, using tissues, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when unwell are simple practices that protect communities. Maintaining good hygiene not only helps the sick person recover more quickly but also minimizes the risk of spreading illness to others in workplaces, schools, and households.
Ultimately, the message from Yartseva and Khuhrev is consistent: treat colds with care, avoid unnecessary medications, and rely on evidence-based strategies to support recovery. A gentle approach that prioritizes rest, hydration, and appropriate medical advice is the most reliable path back to health. By recognizing the limits of home remedies, the power of proper rest, and the importance of prudent antibiotic use, individuals in Canada and the United States can manage cold symptoms more effectively and reduce the spread of infections in their communities.
In sum, the best course of action when a cold starts is to slow down, protect others, and use science-backed practices to guide treatment. With sensible self-care and timely professional input, most people can recover fully without resorting to risky or unnecessary measures. The guidance from these medical professionals reinforces a practical, evidence-based approach that leaves little room for guesswork during the biting season of colds and flu.