1.   The flu is just a really bad cold.

A cold and the flu are caused by very different viruses. The flu is much more severe than a cold. For some people, the flu can lead to serious or even fatal complications, requiring hospitalizations.

With all the respiratory bugs and conditions floating around, the flu is even tough for doctors to diagnose.

2.   "I've got the stomach flu!"

Actually you don't. Many people mistake digestive problems for the flu. While an upset stomach can affect some people with the flu, it's rarely the main symptom. If you're suffering from nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, you probably have another virus, bacteria, or food poisoning rather than the flu.

3.   If you go outside in cold, wet weather, you'll catch a cold or the flu.

Colds and the flu are more common in the winter because this is the time of year that viruses spread most quickly. It has nothing to do with the weather or climate. However, the weather can affect how easily you may catch something else, like pneumonia.

4.   You should feed a cold and starve a fever (or the flu).

Please don't. These are very bad ideas when you have a cold or the flu. Do eat enough so that you're not hungry. And make sure you drink plenty of water and juice if you're dealing with either of these viruses. Drinking hot fluids will help ease your cough and soothe your sore throat.