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Can you catch a cold from being cold?

Published in Common Cold 3 mins read

No, you cannot catch a cold simply from being cold.

The Truth About Colds and Cold Weather

Despite a widespread belief, cold weather or being chilled does not cause the common cold. Colds are viral infections of your nose and throat, caused by specific viruses, most commonly rhinoviruses. The temperature outside or your body temperature does not directly make you sick with a cold.

How Colds Actually Spread

Colds are transmitted through viruses, primarily when you come into contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person or touch contaminated surfaces.

Here's how these viruses typically spread:

  • Direct Contact: When a sick person coughs, sneezes, or talks, they release virus-containing droplets into the air. If these droplets land on you or you inhale them, you can become infected.
  • Indirect Contact (Fomites): Viruses can survive on surfaces like doorknobs, keyboards, or shared objects. If a sick person touches a surface, and you then touch that same surface and subsequently touch your eyes, nose, or mouth, you can pick up the virus.

Why the Misconception Persists

The misconception that cold weather causes colds likely stems from the fact that common colds are more prevalent during colder months. However, this increased incidence is due to several factors unrelated to temperature:

  • Proximity: People tend to spend more time indoors in closer proximity during colder weather, increasing the likelihood of virus transmission from person to person.
  • Lower Humidity: Cold, dry air can make the nasal passages more susceptible to viral invasion.
  • Children in School: School attendance resumes, creating environments where viruses can spread rapidly among children, who then bring them home.

Preventing the Common Cold

Since being cold doesn't cause a cold, prevention focuses on avoiding the viruses that do. Practical steps you can take include:

  • Frequent Handwashing: Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, or being in public places. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water aren't available.
  • Avoid Touching Your Face: Try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth, as this is a common way for viruses to enter your body.
  • Stay Away from Sick People: Maintain distance from individuals who are ill to reduce your risk of exposure to their respiratory droplets.
  • Clean and Disinfect Surfaces: Regularly clean high-touch surfaces in your home and workplace to eliminate lingering viruses.

For more information on common colds, including symptoms and further prevention tips, you can consult reliable health resources like the Mayo Clinic.

To summarize the distinction between myth and fact regarding colds:

Myth Fact
Being cold or in cold weather causes a cold. Colds are caused by viruses, which spread from person to person, often through respiratory droplets or contaminated surfaces.
You can "catch a chill" that turns into a cold. The common cold is a viral infection; environmental cold itself does not initiate the infection.