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Recently, advice that leaves many puzzled has become increasingly common on anonymous Telegram channels and social media. The worst part is that these tips involve health—a vital area where mistakes can have serious consequences. One of the latest “tips,” which has already gone viral, is about how to protect children from colds and the flu at school. So-called “experts” suggest… tying a clove of garlic to a child’s thumb with tape! According to these self-proclaimed experts, this supposedly protects the child from the flu. It sounds so absurd that you want to ask: are you serious? Let’s break down why this method is not only ineffective but can also be dangerous.
Why doesn’t it work?
Flu and cold viruses are transmitted through airborne droplets when we breathe in infected air or touch objects that harbor germs and then touch our faces. It’s naive to believe that a clove of garlic taped to a finger will somehow protect the body from infection. There isn’t a single scientific study that confirms that garlic attached to a finger can prevent viral diseases. To put it mildly, it’s nonsense bordering on dangerous misinformation.
Garlic does indeed have some antibacterial and antiviral properties thanks to a substance called allicin, but to get any real benefit, it needs to be consumed. Even then, it’s no miracle cure, and garlic taped to a finger is nothing more than a funny, highly impractical accessory.
What’s the danger of such “advice”?
These types of tips can distract parents from real and effective prevention methods. The harm of such quackery lies in creating a false sense of security. Parents might think that by taping garlic to their child’s finger, they’ve done everything possible to protect them, and may forget about actual preventive measures.
Moreover, the discomfort caused by having garlic taped to their finger might stress the child, causing them discomfort and ridicule from peers, which certainly doesn’t contribute to their health or psychological well-being. One can only imagine how awkward it would be for a child with garlic on their finger, especially in school, while trying to write, play, or study.
Worse still, using garlic this way can irritate or even burn the skin, especially for children with sensitive skin. This will only cause additional discomfort and bring no benefit in fighting viruses.
Bloggers giving such “advice” clearly don’t understand how the body works or how diseases are actually transmitted. They turn serious health issues into a circus, which is not only foolish but potentially dangerous, as parents may get distracted by this nonsense and forget about real protective measures.
How can you really protect your child from the flu and colds?
To protect your child from illness, it’s important to follow simple, proven recommendations:
- Hygiene. Teach your child to regularly wash their hands with soap, especially after being outside and before eating. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent viral infections.
- Ventilation. Regularly ventilate rooms and classrooms. Fresh air helps reduce the number of viruses in the space.
- Proper nutrition. Ensure your child has a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to strengthen their immune system.
- Vaccinations. Flu vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect against the virus. Talk to your doctor to find out when and what vaccinations your child needs.
- Physical activity and sleep. Regular exercise and a full night’s sleep are essential for good health and a strong immune system.
- Masks and sanitizers. During epidemics, use masks and hand sanitizers, especially in public places.
Taping garlic to a finger is just another myth with no scientific basis. To truly protect your child from colds and flu, it’s better to follow proven preventive measures like vaccination, proper nutrition, hygiene, and maintaining a healthy sleep routine.
The text has been translated by AI. For more accurate information, please refer to the Russian version of the article
