Does Cold, Wet Weather Make You Sick?
No. Cold or wet weather on its own does not cause a cold and will not make you sick, experts say.
Can Cold Weather Make You More Likely to Get Sick?
It is true that respiratory viral illnesses tend to spike in the cooler months, but it’s not the cold weather itself that’s the cause. Instead, the cooler temperatures and dry winter air can affect your body in surprising ways.
Dr. Ellen Foxman, associate professor of laboratory medicine and immunobiology at the Yale School of Medicine, explains that the cold winter air may actually make it easier for viruses to spread. “It’s thought that the cooler, drier air helps (viruses like flu and SARS-CoV-2) transmit better from person to person,” she says.
Additionally, small changes in the temperature of your airways can negatively impact the tissues that line those airways, which typically act as the body’s first line of defense against respiratory pathogens.
Can Cold Weather Make You Feel Sick?
Even if you’re not actually sick, there are several reasons why the changing of seasons can make you feel a little off. For instance, shorter daylight hours have an impact on people’s mental health and energy levels, Dr. Geeta Sood, assistant professor of medicine and epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, explains.
Some people also experience fall allergies and have greater exposure to indoor allergens like pet dander and dust mites this time of year, Dr. Zachary Rubin, an allergist with Oak Brook Allergists and spokesperson for the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, told TODAY.com.
Others may experience a condition called nonallergic rhinitis, a condition that causes allergy-like symptoms that aren’t related to allergies. Changes in temperature or humidity are common causes of nonallergic rhinitis, the Mayo Clinic says.
How to Stay Healthy When the Weather Gets Cold
Knowing that respiratory illnesses are circulating when the weather cools off, it makes sense to take some extra steps to keep yourself healthy – especially this time of year.
Consider getting vaccinated, Sood says. There are vaccines available to protect against COVID-19, seasonal flu, and now RSV (for older adults) as well.
Wearing a mask or scarf over your face when outside in cold weather can also help humidify your airway, Foxman says. “The air you’re exhaling is warm and humid from inside your body, and if you have a scarf or a mask over your nose and mouth, you’re holding that warmth and humidity in your upper airway as you’re breathing out.”
Additionally, make sure to get good quality sleep, stay physically active, manage stress, and eat a balanced diet full of immune-boosting foods, like fruits and vegetables, Foxman advises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does cold weather directly cause illness?
A: No, cold weather on its own does not cause illness.
Q: Can cold weather make me more likely to get sick?
A: Yes, the cooler temperatures and dry winter air can affect your body in ways that make you more susceptible to illness.
Q: Can I take steps to stay healthy during the colder months?
A: Yes, by getting vaccinated, wearing a mask or scarf, getting enough sleep, staying active, managing stress, and eating a balanced diet, you can take steps to keep yourself healthy during the colder months.
Q: What are some ways to stay safe during the respiratory virus season?
A: By getting vaccinated, masking up during busy holiday travel, and taking steps to improve air quality, you can stay safe during the respiratory virus season.
