How can being out in the cold (supposedly) cause a cold?

Question

People often say it is necessary to bundle up and dress for the winter to prevent sickness, but why is this so? It was my understanding that you catch a cold from other people, not the weather. Does being out in the cold without proper protection from it somehow weaken the immune system?

Answer 1

It is an old myth. Colds are viruses thats why there is no cure. You can catch a chill from being out in the cold but not an actual cold.

Answer 2

Being out in the cold has nothing to do with getting sick nor catching a cold. You catch a cold from someone who has the cold virus. If you immune system is healthy you could probably be out in the cold stark naked and not get sick. The main thing is to avoid sick people, keep your immune system healthy by taking antioxidants and staying comfortable when outside. You really don't want to get too chilled or be overdressed so that you are sweating.

Answer 3

Yes, your body temperature drops because you're cold, so the immune system starts working overtime to warm you up. As far as getting a cold, no, that's a virus, but other illness' can set in from having to much exposure to the cold.

Answer 4

Colds are caused by a virus, not the weather. The most common cause of a cold is shaking hands with people cause everyone is always scratching their nose or sneezing or coughing into their hands. Yuk, hands-a germ pit!

Answer 5

actually its largely because generations of people have been told this, but it is true that it takes more energy to keep yourself warm when its cold out, and that will use up energy your body could be using to fight off germs, so it does actually add to your chance to get sick, but if you arent exposed to germs you wouldnt get sick, however germs are everywhere.

Answer 6

tricky problem. look onto yahoo and bing. that will help!