Smarter: Would You Get Sick From Not Wearing Enough Clothes?

The answer is no, there’s no direct causal connection between the two. The common cold is a wastebasket term for a host of viruses that cause respiratory tract infection symptoms. And the truth is, you “catch” a cold not by exposure to the elements but by exposure to those viruses, says Joshua Septimus, MD, a medical director at the Houston Methodist Primary Care Group in Bellaire, Texas.

One of the most likely reasons people catch more colds in cold weather months is because they are around more people indoors, which can increase their exposure to germs. Much evidence shows that certain viruses and bacteria are often transmitted through inhalation of droplets or by touching surfaces that an infectious person has touched, and then transmitting the germs to one’s nose, mouth, or eyes, says Pamela Rockwell, DO, a professor of family medicine at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Another reason could be the dryness of the air. The mucus in our nose and respiratory tract helps trap pathogens we breathe in before they can cause infection. But the relatively low humidity in heated environments and the resulting dryness of the nose lining can make it easier for viruses to invade the body, Pamela says. 

Okay, but is there no connection at all between exposure to the cold and getting a cold?
There may be indirect factors at play. Some research suggests cold weather can affect your susceptibility to being infected by respiratory viruses, says Andrew Karaba, MD, PhD, an assistant professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. In fact, a new study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that cold weather can impair the effectiveness of your nose’s innate immune response. 

And while cold in and of itself does not trigger viral infections, your immune system does function at its peak when your body temperature is well-regulated. So it’s certainly possible that dysregulation of that balance could have an impact, Joshua says.

So what are the things to do if you want to avoid catching a cold?
It’s best to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands because doing that increases the chances of viruses getting into your body and making you sick. And wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, according to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Also, try to avoid close contact with people who are sick. And if you’re going to be in a crowded indoor setting, wearing a high-quality mask is helpful, Joshua says.

Bonus link: Do home remedies for colds, like chicken soup and honey, actually work?