With over 200 cold-causing viruses known and more than one billion reported cases annually in the US alone, the chances of catching a cold are pretty high. But just because the common cold is, well, common, that doesn't necessarily mean that you know as much about it as you think you do. Here, a few of the lesser-known facts about the common cold will help you get through flu season. 

The common cold can't really be conquered.

There is no cure for the common cold. No matter how much DayQuil and Tylenol Cold you consume, you cannot actually beat your cold. These medications may relieve your symptoms of congestion and a sore throat, but they're only actually suppressing your symptoms, not healing them. These medications oftentimes cause so many adverse side effects that they may outweigh the amount of remedy they are providing. For instance, many of these OTC medications make you tired and groggy, can have reactions with other medications or health conditions, and even contribute to high blood pressure. On the other hand, many people try to take antibiotics when they only have a cold. Antibiotics will not heal your cold, and taking them when it is unnecessary will only create a tolerance to the medication.

Taking cold medications can make you worse.

While taking these OTC medications provide an instant relief to your never-ending cold, they can and will trick you into thinking that you’re better. When you feel better, you go back out into the cold weather and go about your day. However, you’re still sick – just not feeling the symptoms. Going out and not resting when you need to can prolong the healing process and not only make your cold last longer, but potentially can make you sicker. Studies prove that some of these medications might be digested before they even make it to your bloodstream, proving them worthless.

Vitamin C is great, but won’t heal your cold.

While stocking up on vitamin C does provide a ton of benefits, taking it the same day you get a cold won’t immediately make you feel better. The same goes for Emergen-C, Airborne, and all of the “get better fast” products out there. The best way to prevent a cold is to practice healthy habits every day: eat a balanced diet (including lots of fruits and vegetables), take the proper supplements to fill your nutritional voids, exercise, and wash your hands. Supplements can help to boost you immune system amongst many other benefits. WellPath offers a free online consultation to determine which supplements you need in your diet based on your fitness and wellness goals and regimen. You can avoid your next cold by optimizing your health through a customized solution formulated just for you.