How does being cold and wet help catch a cold?

Question

Colds are germs, or something similar, right? So why is it probably you'll catch one if you're cold and wet?

Answer 1

It isn't really a high probability that you will catch a cold by becoming cold and wet. A recent British study at the Common Cold Centre in Cardiff, Wales (there's a Common Cold Centre?) showed that test subjects who kept their feet in icy water were three times more likely to develop a cold than those who did not (the actual numbers were 9% and 33%, so a minority of them got colds at all).

Nobody really knows why this is.

The hypothesis is that lowering one's body temperature (the opposite of a fever?) by chilling allows some viruses to multiply more rapidly.

There is a possibility that a cold nose may slow down the white cells that fight viruses in the first place that most of them enter the body--through the air, and allow them to enter the body in greater numbers.

Either way, if these scientists are right, it has nothing to do with our immune system being weakened, just slowed by chilling, which might let some viruses spread in the body.

Answer 2

People tend to sneeze and/or cough in the cold/wet weather this transfers the infections, viruses and germs which causes the cold. Also our immune system is weakened easily allowing the body to be attacked. When a group of people are together (e.g- school) these germs can spread with ease.

Answer 3

If you are cold and wet, your body is putting its resources into trying to warm up. You're more likely to fall prey to any cold germs around, since your body is too busy to kick the germs' butts. But, just being cold and wet, in and of itself, will not give you a cold.

Answer 4

If the cold germ is in the air you can catch it. When our bodies are at a lowered resistance, due to illness or lack of nutrients, we have little defense to resist a cold virus. Being wet and in the cold can cause our bodies resistance to be lowered.

Answer 5

When you are cold & wet, your resistance is down
it is easy to pick up cold germs at this time.

Answer 6

Cold weather and dampness contribute to a weakening of the immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to sickness. At least, that's what my mom told me... I personally get sinus problems while outdoors for too long in temps under 60F, but I don't think that's the same as a "cold", which is what traditional folk medicine would want you to believe...

Answer 7

it particularly is unquestionably a fable. i'm specific that some human beings will argue that being chilly and moist will weaken your immune equipment yet the two way, you replied your individual question...you particularly won't be able to fall ill until you're uncovered to a micro organism/fungus/virus/etc