Can You Catch a Cold Just From Being Cold?

We've all heard it growing up: "Don't go outside with wet hair, you'll catch a cold!" or "Bundle up or you'll end up sick!" These common warnings have shaped generations into believing that cold temperatures directly cause the common cold. But is there any truth to this age-old belief? Can exposure to cold weather alone make you sick? In this article from betterhealthfacts.com, we delve deep into the science behind the common cold, debunk the temperature myth, and reveal the real culprits—viruses.

Understanding the Common Cold

The common cold is a viral infectious disease that affects the upper respiratory tract, particularly the nose and throat. It is the most frequent illness worldwide, with adults averaging two to four colds per year, and children experiencing even more.

More than 200 different viruses can cause a cold, but the most common culprits are:

• Rhinoviruses – responsible for 30% to 50% of all common colds
• Coronaviruses – accounting for 10% to 15%
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and parainfluenza virus – more common in children

These viruses spread primarily through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. They can also survive on surfaces and be transferred by touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after contact.

Where Did the Cold-Weather Myth Come From?

The belief that cold weather causes illness has deep cultural roots. Before the discovery of microorganisms and viruses, ancient physicians speculated that bad air or environmental "humors" were responsible for illness. Cold weather was often associated with disease due to its correlation with flu season.

Moreover, colds do seem to occur more frequently in colder months, especially in temperate regions. This temporal association is misleading and is at the core of the myth that simply being cold causes illness.

The Real Science: Why Cold Weather Is Not the Direct Cause

To set the record straight: you cannot catch a cold just from being cold. The common cold is caused by viruses, and you need to be exposed to one of these viruses to get sick. Cold air alone does not contain viruses.

"The only way to catch a cold is to come into contact with the virus. Period. Temperature is not the cause." – Dr. William Schaffner, Professor of Preventive Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center

However, this doesn't mean cold weather is completely off the hook. It plays an indirect role by creating an environment that makes viral spread more likely. Let's explore how that works.

How Cold Weather Contributes Indirectly

1. Spending More Time Indoors

During colder months, people tend to stay indoors with limited ventilation, often in close proximity to others. This increases the likelihood of virus transmission through respiratory droplets or shared surfaces.

2. Lower Humidity Levels

Cold air is typically drier, especially indoors with central heating. Studies show that low humidity allows viruses like rhinovirus and influenza to remain airborne longer and travel farther.

"Dry indoor air during winter can dry out the mucous membranes in your nose, making you more susceptible to infection." – National Institutes of Health (NIH)

3. Weakened Immune Defenses

There is some evidence suggesting that cold air can mildly suppress the immune response in nasal passages. One study from Yale University found that cooler temperatures can reduce the efficiency of antiviral responses in nasal cells.

Still, this weakening is minimal and doesn't by itself cause infection. You still need to be exposed to a virus.

Debunking Related Myths

“Going outside with wet hair will make you sick.”

No, it won't. Being damp or cold may make you uncomfortable, but it doesn't introduce a virus into your system. Wet hair and cold air have no direct path to infection without viral exposure.

“Getting chilled lowers your immunity instantly.”

There is no conclusive evidence that brief exposure to cold significantly depresses your immune system. Long-term stress, poor nutrition, or chronic illness are far more impactful factors.

“Wearing a coat prevents colds.”

While staying warm is important for comfort and preventing hypothermia, it doesn’t shield you from viruses. Viruses don’t care whether you're wearing layers.

Scientific Studies and Evidence

A landmark study conducted in the 1960s at the Common Cold Unit in the UK exposed volunteers to cold viruses under various conditions. Even when participants were chilled, their likelihood of getting sick depended entirely on whether they were exposed to a virus—not the temperature itself.

"Volunteers who were exposed to cold temperatures but not to the virus did not become sick, proving the cold alone was not sufficient." – Common Cold Unit, UK

More recent studies confirm that cold stress doesn't significantly influence infection rates unless a virus is present. In fact, being outdoors in cold, fresh air may even be protective compared to spending time in crowded, heated indoor environments.

So, Why Are Colds More Common in Winter?

There are several contributing factors:

• More indoor time – close contact facilitates viral spread
• Dry air – helps viruses linger in the air
• School sessions – children, major spreaders of cold viruses, are indoors together
• Weakened mucosal defense – nasal passages may dry out or be less responsive in the cold

These are environmental and behavioral influences—not the cold air itself—making viral transmission more likely.

How to Truly Protect Yourself

Here’s what actually helps in preventing colds, regardless of the season:

• Hand hygiene – wash hands frequently with soap for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your face – viruses enter through eyes, nose, or mouth
• Disinfect surfaces – especially in shared spaces
• Good ventilation – let fresh air circulate indoors
• Stay hydrated – supports mucosal defenses
• Get adequate sleep – sleep deprivation weakens immunity
• Nutrition – vitamins like C and D support immune function

When to See a Doctor

While most colds are self-limiting, medical attention is necessary if you experience:

• High fever (over 101.3°F or 38.5°C)
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Symptoms lasting more than 10 days
• Worsening symptoms after initial improvement

These could indicate complications like bacterial infections, sinusitis, or even pneumonia.

Conclusion

The belief that cold weather alone can cause the common cold is a myth that has persisted through generations. Scientifically, colds are caused by viruses—not by exposure to low temperatures. However, behaviors and environmental changes during colder months can make it easier for these viruses to spread.

Understanding this distinction is essential for public health. Instead of fearing the cold, focus on proper hygiene, avoiding sick individuals, and strengthening your immune system. So next time someone warns you that being cold will make you sick, you can confidently reply with the facts.

At betterhealthfacts.com, we are committed to busting health myths and helping our readers make informed decisions based on science—not superstition.