Think your daughter’s wet feet started her sniffles? Or that the flu shot actually gives you the flu? Here are four cold and flu myths explained.

Myth: The flu shot gives you the flu.

Fact: While the flu shot is made up of flu virus particles, they're all inactive, so they can't make you sick. However, children aren’t fully protected against the flu for about six weeks, says Dr. Embree. "They need that second immunization four weeks after the first, and then they’re fully immunized about two weeks after that. So if you’re immunized late in the season, then you can acquire influenza in that period."

Myth: You'll get a cold if you don't wear your boots

Fact: There may be some truth to this one, according to a new small study from Cardiff University in Wales. Volunteers who soaked their feet in cold water for 20 minutes were more likely to catch a cold. That being said, it also takes exposure to a virus from an infected person (for example, touching a doorknob they touched and then rubbing your eyes) and a weakened immune system. Children are more likely to get colds because their immune systems haven't been exposed to all the various viruses floating around, says Dr. Embree.

Myth: You should stay inside when you’re sick.

Fact: "A little fresh air hasn’t hurt anybody," says Dr. Embree. But the hint of truth in this myth is keeping sick children inside avoids exposing playmates to the virus.

Myth: Only time will make you feel better if you have the cold or flu.

Fact: Time helps, but rest helps even more, especially if your child has the flu. And forget that feed-a-cold-starve-a-fever rumor too — if your child has no appetite, the Canadian Pediatric Society (CPC) recommends small nutritious meals (check out the Dietitians of Canada’s site at www.dietitians.ca for ideas) and little, regular sips of water or an electrolyte-replacement product if they’ve been vomiting.

If your child is under three, the CPC also suggests checking with your child’s doctor before doling out any cough or cold medication. And if they’re older than three, discuss medication options with the pharmacist rather than grabbing the first cough medication you spot. “We don’t recommend aspirin-containing medications for children because of the concern with a condition called Reye’s syndrome, a condition that can damage the brain and liver,” says Dr. Embree.\

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