11 Surprising Things You Should Never Do While Battling A Cold

I know you're probably just trying to get all the gunk out for good with those hefty blows, but if you feel tons of pressure and the need to squeeze your nose while blowing, you're probably being too forceful and putting yourself at risk for a sinus infection on top of your cold or flu.

I totally get the urge to stay curled up in bed with tons of blankets when feeling under the weather, but you need to help your body regulate its own temperature by using just a simple top sheet and light PJs.

You obviously don't want to go too crazy running around and spreading your germs, but stepping outside for some brisk, fresh air will be a lot more beneficial than moping around in your room with those germs and bacteria still lingering in the air.

Plain toast might sound like the only thing you can stomach, but the carbohydrates are quickly broken down into sugars that make them just as bad as chugging soda. Go for a whole-wheat option instead!

This should be a no-brainer, especially considering how many germs are always flying around these buildings. Still, some folks think it's a good idea to sweat out their ailments and decide to hit the weights too hard.

However, a nice swim can actually increase the blood flow in your nasal passages and make it easier to breathe. Of course, you still have to take it easy.

I know this can be impossible to avoid, but feeling terrible and heading out on the road can be a dangerously distracting combination. Try to see if a family member or friend can help you get to a doctor's appointments or pick up medicine for you.

You might think you're using the strongest weapon against germs by slathering yourself with sanitizer, but it shouldn't replace scrubbing up with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds several times a day, too.

It might sound weird, but it's totally possible to overdose on vitamins — popping way too much vitamin C, for example, could land you a nasty case of diarrhea.

Zinc is great at boosting your immune system, but research has shown that using this too often can cause a person to actually lose their sense of smell.

First of all, you really should have finished out your round that the doctor prescribed you even if you had started feeling better. Secondly, they don't really help with a cold or flu: those ailments are viral and not caused by bacteria.

This is something we all know we shouldn't do, but we also frequently let it slide when we're jealous of our friends having fun without us. While a little bit of whisky (emphasis on little!) has been shown to help alleviate cold symptoms, there's always the danger of overdoing it when you think it's magically healed you only to wake up feeling even worse.

Did we miss anything you know people do but really shouldn't while they're sick? Let us know below and be sure to SHARE with your friends!