As temperatures drop and scarves make their seasonal debut, it’s common to hear people blaming colds and flu on the chilly weather. But does cold weather really make us sick? The answer might surprise you.
The Myth: Cold Weather Causes Illness
For decades, we’ve heard warnings like, “Put on a coat or you are going to get sick!” This belief likely stems from the observation that colds and flu are more common in winter. However, correlation doesn’t always equal causation. Cold weather itself isn’t directly responsible for making us sick—the real culprits are viruses and bacteria, so the notion that cold weather causes sickness is a myth.
The Science: How Illness Spreads
Colds and flu are caused by viruses, primarily rhinoviruses and influenza viruses. These pathogens are spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. You can also catch these viruses by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face.
So why are colds and flu more prevalent in winter? Here are the key reasons:
- Indoor Crowding: When it’s cold outside, people tend to stay indoors in close proximity to others. This increases the chances of coming into contact with someone who’s infected.
- Low Humidity: Winter air is drier, and indoor heating can further reduce humidity levels. Dry air allows viruses to survive longer and makes our nasal passages drier and more vulnerable to infection.
- Weakened Immune Response: There’s evidence that colder temperatures can slightly lower the immune response in the nasal cavity, making it easier for viruses to take hold. However, unless you are immunocompromised, this is typically not enough to surpass the overall immune response once the virus takes hold.
Busting the Misconceptions
Wearing a coat or bundling up won’t prevent a virus from infecting you. However, staying warm is still important for your overall well-being. Extreme cold can lead to hypothermia or frostbite, which are serious medical conditions, but they’re unrelated to viral illnesses.
How to Stay Healthy During Cold Weather
While the weather itself doesn’t cause sickness, winter’s conditions can create the perfect storm for viruses to spread. Here are practical tips to protect yourself:
- Wash Your Hands Frequently: Use soap and water to remove germs effectively.
- Avoid Touching Your Face: This reduces the chance of transferring viruses from surfaces to your nose, mouth, or eyes.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep to keep your immune system strong.
- Get Vaccinated: Annual flu shots and other recommended vaccines can reduce your risk of severe illness.
- Ventilate Indoor Spaces: Open windows occasionally or use air purifiers to improve air circulation and reduce viral particles.
The Bottom Line
Cold weather might send chills down your spine, but it’s not what’s sending you to bed with a box of tissues. By understanding the real reasons illnesses spread in winter, you can focus on proven ways to protect your health and enjoy the season without fear of catching a chill — or a cold.