Are you more prone to colds when it is cold?

How many times have you heard well meaning family, friends and colleagues advise you to “wrap up well to avoid getting a cold” or “take those wet clothes off or you’ll catch your death with the cold”?

Well, the reality is that there is very little evidence to support these statements. Some viruses are thought to survive better in cold conditions. Equally, many scientists believe this is aided by us having a reduced respiratory defence to such viruses when the respiratory temperature falls. This is compounded by the fact that certain seasonal viruses such as influenza are more common in the late Autumn/winter months.

However, the main reason why respiratory infections such as colds are more common in cold weather is because we are more likely to stay indoors and be close to each other when it is cold. This is good news for the virus which can then easily pass from one person to another (either via coughing or sneezing), replicate and leave their new ”victim” with a respiratory infection such as the common cold.

Leave a comment