During cold weather, most people start bundling up to avoid catching a cold. It is a common belief that exposure to cold temperature can make you sick. But is this actually true?
The Myth
Most people believe that when you are out in the cold you will fall sick. Parents always tends to remind children to wear a jacket or risk getting sick. Wearing a jacket will keep you comfortable in cold weather and is not a cause of a cold.
The Fact
Colds are caused by a virus, most commonly rhinoviruses. You will only catch a cold if you get exposed to this virus. Cold weather does not create a virus or infect your body.
Colder months can indirectly case a cold as most people tend to stay indoors. When people spend more time indoors, viruses can spread through close contact.
Bottom Line
Cold weather alone does not cause a cold. Colds are caused by viruses. Practicing good hygiene, washing hands, and avoiding close contact with a sick person are the best practices to prevent catching a cold.
What other health myths have you heard that serves a closer look?
Interesting post! I always found it surprising that being cold itself doesn’t cause a cold. The real culprit is viral infection, while winter conditions simply create a better environment for viruses to spread. Thanks for sharing this helpful explanation!
I love that @Yashi_Sachan bought up the Vitamin C myth! It’s so true. From an immunological perspective, loading up on ascorbic acid after symptoms start does virtually nothing to clear the viral load. True prevention lies exactly in what you mentioned: physical barriers, solid hand hygiene, and maintaining a healthy mucosal barrier through optimal hydration during dry winter months.
