Does cold weather make you sick?
For centuries, this myth has led our parents to insist that kids sit away from drafts, keep a hat on in cold weather, and avoid going outside with wet hair.
But if this is a myth, why do colds and the flu peak in the winter? The answers are complex and fascinating.
Effect of cold weather on viruses
Exposure to cold weather does not make people more susceptible to common colds.
Some research suggests that rhinoviruses may replicate more efficiently at temperatures lower than 37°C, or 98.6°F, the average core body temperature in humans. The temperature inside the nasal cavity is approximately 33°C (91.4°F), which may make it an ideal breeding ground for rhinoviruses.
However, this does not confirm that lower outside temperatures increase the risk of rhinovirus infection. Most research on rhinoviruses has primarily focused on examining how differences in body temperature affect the virus’s ability to reproduce.
One study, examined whether or not variations in temperatures and humidity led to a higher risk of rhinovirus infection. The researchers found that decreases in temperature and humidity over 3 days increased the risk of rhinovirus infections in participants.
In the same study, researchers found that most infections occurred in temperatures at zero (32°F) and below.
The flu
While cold weather may not exacerbate rhinoviruses, cold, dry air, as is common in winter, can assist the transmission of influenza viruses.
During colder months, people may also spend more time indoors. If these spaces do not have adequate ventilation, people may have a greater risk of breathing in aerosols from others with common colds.
Some ways to avoid getting sick during the winter include:
- ensure adequate nutrition to include vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables
- getting plenty of sleep
- staying hydrated
- washing hands regularly
- always sneezing and coughing into clean tissues
- not sharing foods, drinks, crockery, and utensils with people who have a cold or the flu
Summary
Viruses, such as rhinoviruses and influenza, cause colds and the flu, not the weather. However, exposure to cold weather can increase a person’s risk of contracting a virus.
