Does being out in the cold make a cold worse? This is a question that has puzzled many people for years. While the common belief is that exposure to cold weather can exacerbate the symptoms of a cold, scientific evidence on this topic is not entirely conclusive. In this article, we will explore the relationship between cold weather and the severity of colds, examining both the myths and the facts.
Cold weather has long been associated with an increased incidence of colds. The idea is that when the temperature drops, people spend more time indoors, sharing germs with others. However, this does not necessarily mean that being out in the cold makes a cold worse. In fact, some research suggests that cold weather may actually have a protective effect against colds.
A study published in the journal “The Lancet” in 2015 found that exposure to cold weather does not increase the risk of developing a cold. The researchers concluded that the common belief that cold weather causes colds is a myth. However, they did note that cold weather can exacerbate the symptoms of a cold in people who are already infected.
Another study, published in the “British Medical Journal” in 2013, found that cold weather can make colds more uncomfortable but does not necessarily make them worse. The study concluded that while cold weather can make a cold feel more severe, it does not lead to more severe complications or a longer duration of the illness.
So, why do people often feel worse when they have a cold during the winter months? There are a few possible explanations. First, cold weather can cause people to breathe through their mouths instead of their noses, which can dry out the mucous membranes and make it easier for viruses to enter the body. Second, cold weather can lead to a decrease in vitamin D levels, which may weaken the immune system and make it harder to fight off infections. Finally, people may be more likely to stay indoors during the winter, increasing their exposure to germs.
In conclusion, while the belief that being out in the cold makes a cold worse is a common one, scientific evidence does not support this idea. Cold weather may not increase the risk of developing a cold, but it can make the symptoms more uncomfortable. To protect yourself from colds, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular hand washing, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated, regardless of the weather outside.
