March Madness is fast approaching and I plan to partake in the festivities. My friend says it’s not good to drink alcohol when I have a cold. Is this true?

"While having a drink or two most likely won’t directly affect your immune system, drinking alcohol does dehydrate you. When fighting a virus, your body is already dehydrated, so it is a good idea to stay away from alcohol, which can extend the life of a cold. If you do want a drink, red wine is probably your best option with its high level of antioxidants. Drinking two glasses daily is said to decrease your risk of getting a cold by 44%."

– Dr. Tucker

With the weather slowly starting to warm up, how can I tell if I’m suffering from a cold or from seasonal allergies?

"Colds and allergies share a number of similar conditions from runny noses to congestion to sneezing. One thing to notice is how long you have had the symptoms. Colds generally last a few days to a week, where allergies can last much longer. Another thing to notice is your mucus. With colds mucus is usually yellow and with allergies it is generally clear. Also, keep track of when you are having the symptoms, if you notice you are feeling run down every fall and spring it may be seasonal allergies.

Colds are caused by different viruses while allergies are caused by an overactive immune system. An allergy is the body mistaking a harmless substance, such as mold or pollen for germs and attacking it. Chemicals the body releases to fight off allergies are very similar to the way a body attacks a cold, therefore the symptoms can be very similar and it’s important to recognize the difference between the two."

– Dr. Tucker

Even though we seem to be past the H1N1 hysteria, I continue to see advertisements for flu shots. Is it too late to get one and will it help me?

"It is not too late to get a flu shot. While flu season is generally at its peak during the winter months, people continue to get sick throughout the year, and it’s always best to be prepared in advance. In addition to getting a flu shot, it is also helpful to follow other, simple precautionary measures on a daily basis to avoid getting a cold, including washing your hands throughout the day, getting plenty of rest, exercising on a regular basis and eating a healthy balanced diet."

– Dr. Tucker

I have a sweet tooth and tend to eat more sweets around Valentine’s Day, especially after spending more time indoors. What’s the deal with sugar; is it bad for my immune system?

"While I’m sorry to report this, it is best to avoid sugar as much as possible during the winter as sugar lowers the strength of your immune system. And remember, it’s not just candy and baked goods that are high in sugar as fruit juices also, are loaded with sugar. But for some good news, do try to eat a bit of dark chocolate each day as it’s not only a mood booster, but also an antioxidant. And, of course, quite tasty!"

– Dr. Tucker

I feel like I get sick more often when I’m overly busy or stressed out. Is there any connection there?

"Yes, when stress is left unchecked, it can increase cortisol levels in the body, which can weaken your immune system. Staying active and making sure to take time out each day, even if for just 15-20 minutes to do something quiet for yourself can help. And stress reduction activities such as yoga, tai chi and other mild to moderate exercise, prayer or meditation also are helpful in reducing stress levels."

– Dr. Tucker

I like to be proactive in warding off the cold during the winter. What are some of the best foods to keep my immune system working at its peak?

"Try to eat an overall balanced and nutritious diet including whole grains and of course plenty of fruits and green leafy vegetables. Fatty fish, like salmon, mackerel or herring that contain omega-3 fatty acids are especially good for you as they increase the activity of phagocytes – cells that fight flu by eating up bacteria. Also, some people say that foods rich with ginger, tomatoes and onions are good for warding off a cold."

– Dr. Tucker

Can cold germs be spread through a simple handshake? I'm hesitant to shake hands during cold season, but find it awkward not to do so.

"Germs can and do spread through direct personal contact, and can also be spread when a sick person touches a contaminated surface like doorknobs, desks, phones and tables, so be careful about every surface you touch. One way to avoid a handshake is to turn the table and tell people you're coming down with a cold and/or your child is sick, so as to avoid that potentially awkward moment and put the onus on protecting their health, not your own."

– Dr. Tucker

I'm very careful to wash my hands regularly, but I've heard several theories on how long germs can live on certain surfaces. What's the story, how long can germs live and what are some tips to steer clear of these dangerous cold germs?

"Cold viruses and germs can survive outside the nasal passage and live on certain surfaces for up to three days. And while it's an inexact science given there are more than 100 viruses that cause the common cold, here are the surfaces that are most susceptible to carrying germs - door handles, telephones, sink faucets, tables and chairs inside common areas, keyboards, copiers and shared workstations. Carry a pocket-size sanitizer to disinfect throughout the day."

– Dr. Tucker

I often get confused as to when to stay home from work. These days, amidst the heightened concerns about H1N1 flu, you hear employers say to stay home when you're feeling sick, yet it's difficult to do so at times as I don't want to come across as weak. When should I definitely stay home from work?

"A very important question, and as you might imagine, the answer varies in each individual case. That said, if you have a fever or feel sick to you stomach it might be best to stay at home, and similarly if you have a bad cold and can't stop coughing it may be worth considering staying home, depending on your responsibilities at work. And if you manage people, please be sure to encourage your sick employees to watch and monitor their symptoms carefully before choosing to come to work. In the long run, it will ultimately save time and money to have fewer sick workers."

– Dr. Tucker

It always seems like I'm more likely to catch a cold when I have to travel by plane. Why is that; does it have something to do with that stale, re-circulated airplane air?

"It's a common myth that re-circulated air is one of the reasons why people tend to get sick when traveling. But, in reality, it has more to do with being in close proximity to other people who are coughing or sneezing in your general direction. If someone next to you is coughing or sneezing and not covering their face with a tissue or coughing into their elbow the way they're supposed to, don't hesitate to ask them to do so, or if needed, pull out your own mask to protect yourself."

– Dr. Tucker

How do germs spread - by air only, or also by touching certain surfaces?

"Germs can and do spread through coughing, sneezing or simply talking, all of which release germs into the air that can then be inhaled by others close by (generally, anyone within three to four feet is most susceptible). But germs can also be spread when a sick person touches contaminated surfaces like doorknobs, desks, phones and tables, as germs can live for hours on surfaces. Your best bet is to avoid commonly shared surfaces, or germ breeding grounds, as much as possible, and to wash your hands and/or use antibacterial liquid or wipes throughout the day."

– Dr. Tucker

How can I help my family stay healthy when we travel and are thus more exposed to germs and people who have a cold?

"What I recommend to my customers is to create and use a “stay healthy” travel kit that you can refresh and update each fall, and then simply grab to take with you along with other important items like your wallet, ID or plane tickets. The most important items to include in your kit are vitamin C, plenty of antibacterial liquid and wipes, zinc lozenges like Zicam Cold Remedy, alcohol-free Echinacea, band-aids, antibacterial ointment, pain relievers/fever reducers like acetaminophen and any NSAID (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) which includes ibuprofen and sterile surgical masks. And always choose high-quality products and be sure to follow the directions of your doctor and those on the products."

– Dr. Tucker

I exercise regularly, but never know if I should continue my workouts when I’m feeling sick. Does it help or hurt?

"While studies show that exercising for at least 30 minutes several times a week can help you stay healthy, our immune system fights most effectively when it isn't stressed. So listen to your body when you feel sick, as a hard workout could weaken your immune system temporarily and potentially make your illness worse."

– Dr. Tucker

What actually causes a common cold?

"Most common colds are caused by rhinoviruses ("rhino" means nose). No matter how you catch your cold, the cold actually breeds in your nose. The cold virus takes up residence in the nasal passages, multiplies there, and from there infects your body, causing symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, etc."

– Dr. Tucker

Why is it important to sneeze into a tissue or crook of the arm when I have a cold; does it actually help at all?

"Sneezes can actually travel at a speed of up to 100 mph and the wet spray can radiate five feet. So, yes, covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze can significantly reduce the spread of germs to others. And of course it’s important to wash your hands or use an antibacterial hand sanitizer after you sneeze so you don’t then transfer any germs to doorknobs, phones and other shared surfaces."

– Dr. Tucker

When is the best time to take an over-the-counter cold and flu product?

"Many people treat their cold after it is too late, when their symptoms become severe. In fact, according to a recent survey of more than 500 pharmacists, 75% indicated that patients should purchase OTC cold and flu products at the first sign of symptoms while only 26% of patients actually do so. Colds can last up to two weeks so it's important to treat a cold early to nip it in the bud before it gets out of control. To do so, stay prepared by having the necessary cold remedies, like Zicam, on hand in the medicine cabinet so you can take it at the first sign of a cold."

– Dr. Tucker

What are the best ways to stay healthy this cold and flu season?

"There are many easy things you can do to prepare for cold and flu season. In addition to getting a flu shot, the best way to reduce your chances of catching a cold is to follow several precautionary measures and incorporate them into your daily routine including: washing your hands frequently, exercising, eating right, sleeping well and taking a daily multi-vitamin."

– Dr. Tucker

For a more comprehensive list of precautionary measures, go to Zicam's Tips for Staying Healthy page.

I often hear people say they have the Flu, when they really have a bad cold. What's the difference and how can you tell?

"Good question, and especially relevant this year with the advent of the H1N1 virus and people's heightened curiosity about how to tell the difference and stay prepared. Though colds and flus share the same symptoms – like sore throat, nasal congestion and sneezing – there are differences. The flu is usually marked by more intense symptoms such as fever, fatigue, body aches and dry cough. People with a cold are more likely to have a stuffy or runny nose. That’s because colds and flus are caused by different viruses. The flu is caused by the influenza virus. The leading cause of the common cold is the rhinovirus. There are 100+ strains of rhinoviruses (“rhino” means nose)."

– Dr. Tucker

Dr. Timothy Tucker, Pharm.D., FAPhA, is past president and a long-tenured, active board member of the American Pharmacists' Association (APhA) and a local pharmacist at City Drug Company in Huntingdon, TN. Each month, Dr. Tucker will answer pertinent cold and flu related questions to help keep you informed and better prepared for cold and flu season.