Can You Catch a Cold from Being Cold? The Science Behind Common Beliefs

When the temperature drops and the scarves come out, one piece of advice inevitably echoes through generations: “Bundle up, or you’ll catch a cold!” It’s a claim so common that it feels like a universal truth. But does being cold actually make you sick? Lets investigate the science to separate fact from fiction.

The Myth: Cold Weather Equals Colds

The belief that chilly temperatures cause colds stems from centuries of anecdotal evidence. Historically, people noticed that colds and flu seemed more common in winter, and they blamed the cold weather itself. Parents insisted on warm layers and avoiding drafts, convinced that exposure to cold would lead to sickness.

But is it the weather—or something else entirely?

The Reality: It’s About Viruses, Not Temperatures

The common cold is caused by viruses, most frequently rhinoviruses, not the weather. These viruses are incredibly contagious, infecting 10–15% of the global population annually, with adults experiencing two to three colds per year on average. Children, who have less developed immune systems, catch six to eight colds per year.

So, why does winter see a spike in colds?

1. Indoor Crowding: Studies show that during colder months, people spend about 90% of their time indoors. Close quarters with others increase the risk of viral transmission through respiratory droplets or contaminated surfaces.

2. Dry Air and Viral Survival: Rhinoviruses thrive in low humidity. Research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that flu viruses, for example, spread more efficiently when the relative humidity is below 50%, a common indoor condition during winter.

3. Weakened Immune Responses: A study in Nature Communications revealed that cooler temperatures (around 33°C or 91°F) reduce the ability of nasal cells to produce interferons, proteins that combat viral infections.

The Science: Does Being Cold Play Any Role?

While cold weather doesn't directly cause colds, some studies suggest that being cold might create conditions that make infection more likely. For example:

• Cold Feet and Blood Flow: A study conducted at Cardiff University found that 29% of participants who had their feet submerged in icy water reported developing cold symptoms within five days, compared to just 9% in the control group. This suggests that cooling the body may reduce local immune responses.

• Behavioral Changes: Feeling cold might lead to behavioral shifts—like crowding indoors or neglecting hygiene—indirectly increasing the chance of encountering viruses.

Cold Weather, Hot Tips: How to Prevent Colds This Winter

While bundling up won’t directly stop you from catching a cold, staying warm can help your immune system function optimally. Here’s how you can actually prevent colds this winter:

1. Wash Your Hands: According to the CDC, regular handwashing with soap reduces respiratory infections by 16–21%.

2. Avoid Touching Your Face: Research shows that people touch their faces 23 times per hour on average, which increases the risk of introducing viruses into your body.

3. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables boosts immune function. For example, Vitamin C has been shown to reduce the severity of colds in some cases.

4. Use a Humidifier: Keeping indoor humidity levels between 40–60% reduces viral survival and prevents nasal passages from drying out.

5. Get Vaccinated: While there’s no vaccine for the common cold, flu shots reduce the risk of seasonal influenza by 40–60%, according to the CDC.

The Verdict

So, can you catch a cold from being cold? Not exactly. The cold itself isn’t the culprit—it’s the viruses that spread more easily during winter months. That said, keeping warm and healthy can help your body fend off potential invaders.

The next time someone tells you to bundle up or risk getting sick, you can confidently respond with science: "It’s the germs, not the chill!" But maybe grab that scarf anyway—it’ll keep you comfortable as you stay healthy this winter.