[Graeme]

The Common Cold: Myths and Facts

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'B')ut knowing some uncommon facts about the common cold may help you sail from Halloween to St. Patty's day without stopping for a sneeze.

Kiss but don't shake

Not cut out for a Thoreau lifestyle? Here are some alternative solutions:

Wash your hands - a lot - and be aware that many people do not. And use soap, which is more effective than alcohol-based hand sanitizers. The key is to scrub well, for about 15 seconds.

Don't rub your eyes and no Eskimo kisses, but go ahead and give your sniffling sweetie a smooch. Cold viruses love eyes and noses but rarely leap mouth to mouth, says Gwaltney. And if a peck on the lips improves your mood, it may do more good than harm.