Common Cold Myth Debunked

Remember when mom used to tell you “Put your coat on, you’ll catch a death”?  I’m pretty sure mom didn’t mean you would experience your ultimate demise, I think she meant you will catch cold.  Is it an old wives tale that we can catch cold by being outdoors in the cold unprotected? 

Well, chew on this:  The common cold is caused by viruses, not actual cold temperatures, however, it’s mostly because our immune systems weaken when our noses are colder, which is typically why we often catch the most common of common colds, rhinovirus.  There are certain cells that generate the chemicals that help detect and fight infection and when your nose is cold, these chemicals simply don’t work as effectively.

Is it that simple?  I don’t think so, it’s a little more complicated than that.  There are other variables that contribute to the spreading of the common cold, for instance, when it’s colder outside, we tend to spend more time indoors closer to other humans, which in turn, well, you know.  Now we all get sick.  Terrific.

No matter how you look at it though, mom was pretty much full of beans if she told you that you got sick because you forgot your winter hat.  After all is said and done, the common cold is still exclusively spread from one person to another.  You can’t catch it by being outdoors in the cold, but it does decrease your immunity and your likeliness of catching cold increases.