Can You Get Sick from Being Cold?

Okay so this is one of those things everybody’s heard growing up, right? Your mom or grandma says, “Put a coat on, it’s cold out, you’re gonna catch a cold!” Or maybe, “Don’t go outside with wet hair!” And like, you kinda just believe it because they’re adults and sound like they know what they’re talking about.

But then later you’re like… wait… is that actually true tho?

Let’s try to figure this out.

What even causes a cold, tho?

So the “cold” — like when you got a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, that whole thing — it’s not caused by cold weather. It’s caused by viruses. Tiny lil’ bugs like the rhinovirus, and others (I can’t remember all the names honestly but there’s a few types).

They spread when someone who’s sick sneezes or coughs and then you touch something and then touch your face or like rub your eyes or whatever.

So basically, being in the cold isn’t what gives you the virus. You can’t catch a virus from air that’s cold. You gotta be exposed to a person that has it.

But wait — then why do people get more sick in winter?

Good question tbh. If cold doesn’t cause it, then why is everyone sick when it gets cold??

Turns out there’s a few things goin on here:

1. Viruses like cold weather??
   Yeah weirdly, some of the viruses actually like cold, dry air. They survive longer in it. So in winter, they’re just… chillin. Literally.

2. People are indoors more
   When it’s freezing outside nobody’s tryna hang out in a park or go walkin around. Everyone’s indoors, close together, and like… sharing the same air. So germs just bounce around more.

3. Your nose defenses get worse
   Okay this one’s kinda gross but interesting. The inside of your nose dries out more in cold, dry air, so the lil’ hairs and mucus that usually trap viruses don’t work as well. So stuff can get in easier.

4. Immune system gets lazy??
   Not “lazy” but like, when you’re cold or stressed or not sleeping or eating bad (which happens more in winter), your immune system isn’t working as strong. So you can get sick easier.

So… cold doesn’t cause it but… it kinda helps it happen?

Yeah exactly. Like, the cold doesn’t give you a cold. But it creates the perfect storm kinda. More virus floating around + weaker defenses + everyone hanging out inside = boom, more sickness.

What about wet hair tho?? Or not wearing a jacket?

Okay, now about that “don’t go out with wet hair” thing. Science basically says… it doesn’t really make you sick. BUT — and this is a big but — if you’re already exposed to a virus, and your body is fighting it, suddenly being really cold might mess with your immune system a bit.

Some studies say that getting chilled can make blood vessels in your nose shrink, which might reduce immune response in that area for a little while. So it’s like, not the cause, but maybe a factor.

So maybe your grandma wasn’t totally wrong, but also not exactly right either.

Real talk: Can cold air give you the flu?

No. Just gonna say it flat out. Cold air can’t magically give you the flu or a cold. You have to be exposed to the actual virus. That said tho, flu spreads more in cold weather, so it’s easier to get it if you’re not being careful.

How to not get sick in cold weather

Alright so if you don’t wanna be one of those people hacking up a lung all winter, here’s some tips that are actually useful:

• Wash your hands. Like, a lot. Germs be everywhere.

• Stop touching your face. This one’s hard, I know. But seriously, viruses get in through your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Stay warm — not because it’ll “prevent sickness” directly but because your body works better when it’s not freezing.

• Get enough sleep. Your immune system needs rest to fight stuff off.

• Eat real food. Junk food every day makes you feel like crap. Your body needs real nutrients.

• Get the flu shot. Not everyone likes it, but it does help reduce your chances a lot.

• Avoid people who are sick — sounds obvious but people always hang out with sick friends and then wonder why they caught it…

Soooo… is the cold to blame or not??

Here’s the honest truth: Cold doesn’t make you sick — viruses do. But cold weather makes it easier for those viruses to spread and mess you up.

Think of it like this:
Cold weather is like the party, and the virus is the drunk dude that shows up and ruins everything. The party itself isn’t the problem… it’s who shows up.

Final thoughts (before you go yell at your mom)

So next time someone says, “You’re gonna catch a cold if you don’t wear a coat,” you can be like, “Actually, mother, I need to be exposed to a virus first, and cold weather merely—”
Okay maybe don’t say that. Just nod. She means well.

But now you know: cold might help sickness spread, but it’s not the reason you get sick. So wear the coat because it’s cold, not because it’ll keep you from getting a virus. And maybe dry your hair before going outside… just to avoid the drama.

Stay warm. Stay healthy. And please stop coughing without covering your mouth. Thanks.