Can you get sick or ‘catch your death’ from MS’s cold weather? Doctors weigh in
If your grandmother ever warned, “You’ll catch your death of cold” if you weren’t wearing a hat or left your house with wet hair, we have news for you.
Cold weather itself doesn’t make you sick.
However, there’s more to the story than just temperature. Viruses, not cold air, are the real culprits behind winter illnesses. Dr. Virginia Banks of Northeast Ohio Infectious Disease Associates explains, “It’s multifactorial. Just cold weather alone doesn’t make you sick.”
Why do we tend to get sick more often in winter?
Several factors contribute to increased illness during colder months:
Virus behavior: Some viruses thrive in cold, dry air, making winter an ideal season to spread.
Indoor gatherings: Cold weather drives people indoors, where close quarters make it easier for viruses to transmit from person to person.
Respiratory effects: Cold air can irritate airways, especially in people with asthma or chronic lung conditions, making them more susceptible to respiratory infections.
Immune system changes: Some research suggests that cold temperatures slightly reduce the effectiveness of our immune cells, so we are less equipped to fight germs when we contract them.
Can cold weather impact health at all?
So, grandma was sort of right. Although cold weather isn’t the cause of illness or disease, it certainly can exacerbate it.
Dr. Haitham Khraishah, a preventive cardiologist at University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute, warns against exposure to extreme weather. Although most of us aren’t likely to brave the winter weather for extended periods, the cold can be dangerous itself. It acts as a catalyst for certain conditions.
These are the most common symptoms of cold weather:
Hypothermia
Cardiovascular issues
Respiratory problems
Frostbite
Increased susceptibility to illnesses
Besides staying warm, how can I stay healthy this winter?
Bundling up is good for comfort and preventing hypothermia, but it won’t necessarily prevent you from catching a virus. Healthy people are less likely to be affected by very low temperatures, so the cold is not as much of a threat. Particularly vulnerable Individuals or those with weakened immune systems shouldn’t take unnecessary chances in winter.
Here are some tips to avoid getting sick that don’t include woolen mittens or thermal underwear:
Practice good hygiene, including frequent hand-washing.
Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine.
Dress appropriately for cold weather to avoid hypothermia.
Stay hydrated, as cold air can be very dry.
Cold can affect multiple body systems, and prolonged exposure can lead to serious injury, so Grandma wasn’t entirely wrong. Her advice to dress warmly, cover your head and hands, and layer strategically does have merit in that it is extra protection when temperatures drop.
It’s not the cold itself that makes you feel poorly, but it certainly can accelerate or aggravate an impending illness. Give grandma her due and go ahead and dig out those cold-weather clothes for the upcoming winter weather.
This story was originally published January 13, 2025 at 8:28 AM.
