Winter colds: We’ve all grown up hearing the same line: “Wear a jacket or you’ll catch a cold.” It’s one of those warnings that feels true because we hear it so often. But does chilly weather actually make you sick, or is it just a long-running family belief? This guide separates the myth from the science behind cold weather and the common cold.
The myth: Cold weather causes a cold
A lot of people still believe that stepping out with wet hair or skipping a sweater can directly lead to illness. The logic seems simple: cold air equals cold disease. But that connection isn’t as direct as it sounds. Yes, colds are more common in winter, but the weather itself isn’t the real culprit.
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The fact: Viruses cause colds
Viruses, most commonly rhinoviruses, trigger the common cold. A drop in temperature alone can’t infect you. You get sick when a virus enters your body, usually through your nose or mouth.
What winter does change is the environment. People spend more time indoors, spaces may be less ventilated, and viruses can spread more easily. So cold weather doesn’t cause a cold, but it can make it easier for viruses to move from person to person.
Why do colds seem more common in winter?
It’s not the chilly air itself that gives you a cold; it’s the changes that winter brings around you. When temperatures drop, people tend to spend more time indoors in closed, crowded spaces. That closer contact makes it easier to pick up viruses someone else may be carrying.
Another factor is dry air. Cold outdoor air is dry, and indoor heating often makes the air even drier. This can dry out the lining of your nose, which is one of your body’s first lines of defence against germs. When that protective layer is irritated or dry, viruses may find it easier to enter and settle in.
So, should you still bundle up?
Yes, just for the right reasons. Dressing warm won’t directly block cold viruses, but it protects you from real cold-related risks like discomfort and, in extreme conditions, frostbite. Also, when your body is severely chilled, it may not function at its best, which could make it harder to fight off infections.
So while a jacket isn’t a guaranteed shield against colds, staying warm still supports overall well-being, especially during harsh weather.
How to actually prevent a cold?
Your strongest everyday defence is simple: wash your hands regularly. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, using public transport or touching shared surfaces. Cold viruses spread easily, and they enter your body through your eyes, nose and mouth, so try to avoid touching your face when you’re out and about.
It also helps to keep your distance from sick people when possible. If someone around you has a cold, reduce close contact. And if you’re unwell, staying home for a day or two protects others and slows the spread.
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The bigger picture is this: cold weather doesn’t directly cause colds. Viruses do. But winter conditions, such as more indoor crowding and drier air, make it easier for the viruses to circulate. So it’s not the temperature that makes you sick; it’s the exposure.