Is stress a factor in the common cold.?

Question

I know the common cold is a virus. But I heard many years go that when our mothers told us to bundle up in cold weather to keep from catching a cold they weren't entirely wrong. Someone told me that a doctor told him that you can get the cold virus but if you do not get stressed, it will not have any effect on you. In other words if you can go out in subfreezing weather, chill factor in the single digits without hardly anything on, you won't have a cold even though you have contracted the cold virus. Does anyone know anything about this?

Answer 1

Yes, stress is a factor in getting a cold. There is a professor at Carnegie Mellon University who does a lot of research in this area.

Answer 2

Yes, it is possible for stress to depress the immune system; furthermore, as for the cold causing a cold, that doesn't happen. A virus or bacteria has to find an opening to get into the body. Closed pores are the best defense. When you are hot, your pores open, and when you are cold, they close. That's why it's best to have a cool rinse after a hot shower, the cool water closes the pores. If cold caused a cold, you would be sick every time you opened the freezer door. I am not saying not to take precautions from the cold; hypothermia is dangerous; I am saying that being cold within reason will not make you sick. Moreover, when was the last time you have been in a hospital that wasn't cold? That's because cold keeps germs from spreading and it keeps people from getting sicker. I hope this has helped you out.

Paramedic in SC

Answer 3

This is a great question actually. I hope you understand my answer, I am a little scatterbrained.

First, the cold IS a virus. To get ward off viruses, we use our immune system. Our immune system relies on our nervous system for communication etc.

If our nervous system is compromised, then so will our immune system be. What causes nervous system compromise? Subluxation (a slight misalignment of two bones, the effect often times being irritation to the nerves which exit between them).

Subluxation has a cause ... STRESS. Please note that there are three types of stress. They are:

1. Physical Stress (this is when we fall, are in accidents, get hit, etc.)

2. Chemical Stress (this is the use of drugs, tobacco, alcohol, toxins from medications and vaccinations, and the harmful preservatives and ingredients in the food that we eat).

3. Emotional stress (people think of this more commonly! It's the stress of your job, home, a divorce, etc.)

So in summary:

1. Stress causes subluxation
2. Subluxation causes nervous system compromise
3. The immune system is weakened with a compromised nervous system
4. Viruses (and bacteria) thrive in the body when there is no defense offered by the immune system.

I have abridged the answer and made it more simplistic because it's very complex! BEST OF LUCK TO YOU!

Please don't forget to vote for a "best answer".

Answer 4

Stress on its own can greatly weaken the immune system and that's why stress is a no no. It heightens heart rate and can wreck havoc emotionally and physically. In regards to the cold virus, you can only get it in contact with you. If your immune system is strong, due to high exercise, good diet, you will be less likely to get a cold. Having no stress isn't a cure all. Its just one of the factors that can affect getting sick.. And bundling up in warm weather helps your body maintain a constant temperature making it easier on your body to maintain anti-bodies and white blood cells. Energy in the form of ATP isn't being used for body warmth. So in whole, destress, but it won't stop the cold.

Answer 5

Bundling up is absolutely right, if you're cold your defenses go down and you're more susceptible to the virus. Also if your stressed your immune system slows and again you get a cold quicker. Getting enough sleep and wearing weather appropriate clothing, washing your hands often and having a healthy diet can stave off colds.

Answer 6

Stress has many effects on your body that you would not think it would, if you are already sick and get stressed it can keep your cold going, or make it worse. I do not know if it can cause a cold though.

Answer 7

Stress is a factor in your bodies health all around. So are other things. Healthy immune is a major one, so is good hiegene. And many others.

But being stress free is not a cold free gaurantee.

Answer 8

stress lessens the immune system..... cold air doesn't cause a cold

Answer 9

stress can help lower your immunities. so yes in a round about way it can make you more susceptible...