Does getting cold increase your chances of catching flu?

Does Getting Cold Really Increase Your Chances of Catching Flu?

Contrary to popular wisdom that wrapping up warm is a surefire way to catch a cold, the science suggests otherwise. The notion that getting chilly somehow makes us more susceptible to illness has been perpetuated by our great-great-grandmothers' cautionary tales about bundling up to avoid catching pneumonia. However, medical microbiologist Manal Mohammed from the University of Westminster has shed light on this common myth.

It appears that many people have mistakenly conflated colds and flu, which are in fact caused by different viruses. These viruses can be spread through respiratory droplets or person-to-person contact – regardless of temperature. While it's true that certain viruses survive longer in cooler and drier conditions, there isn't a direct causal link between getting cold and catching the flu.

That being said, Mohammed notes that colder weather does have an indirect impact on our chances of getting infected. For instance, reduced sunlight during the winter months can weaken our immune systems by lowering Vitamin D production. This, in turn, makes us more vulnerable to illness. Moreover, as we spend more time indoors, especially in crowded and poorly ventilated spaces, viruses are more likely to spread.

In fact, improving indoor ventilation and humidity levels, as well as keeping our Vitamin D levels boosted, can go a long way in reducing the risk of transmission. Rather than simply telling people to wrap up warm, public health messaging should focus on highlighting the importance of practicing good hygiene and social distancing to combat the spread of viruses.

In short, while getting cold may not directly increase your chances of catching flu, it's still crucial to take steps to protect yourself from illness – especially during winter months. By understanding the real risks and taking proactive measures, we can reduce our susceptibility to viral infections and stay healthier throughout the year.

I'm so glad they're finally busting that myth about bundling up being a cold-catcher ! Did you know that studies show around 75% of people experience a peak in flu activity between December and February, which just happens to be when we're all cozied up indoors? It's like our bodies are trying to tell us something...

And have you ever noticed how the flu season can feel like it's dragging on forever? Apparently, this is because of the way our immune systems respond to viral infections. When our Vitamin D levels drop (which happens in low sunlight), our immune cells become less effective at fighting off the flu virus

Let's focus on keeping those humidity levels up and practicing good hygiene instead of telling people to just wrap it up warm! The data suggests that improving ventilation can reduce transmission by up to 50%. Not bad, right?

I mean come on, this is basic science stuff! Getting cold doesn't directly make you more prone to catching flu. It's like saying wearing a helmet will increase your chances of getting a paper cut... not gonna happen. What does matter is keeping your immune system strong (thanks Vitamin D, you're a lifesaver ) and maintaining good hygiene. It's not about wrapping up warm, it's about breathing fresh air, staying hydrated, and respecting personal space. Public health should be promoting that over this cold myth!

I gotta say , I've always thought that getting cold was linked to getting sick... but now I'm not so sure . It makes sense that colder weather can weaken your immune system, especially when you're stuck indoors with poor ventilation . And vitamin D is such a big deal for our health .

But what really blew my mind is how much it has to do with social distancing and hygiene practices . If we all just took a little more care in covering our mouths when coughing, washing our hands regularly, and respecting personal space, I think we can make a big difference . It's not about wrapping up warm or getting cold, but about being mindful of how we spread germs .

I'm curious, what do you guys think? Have any of you ever wondered if getting sick was really just about the weather?

I've always been like "wrap up warm, you'll be fine" but now I'm not so sure... it's kinda simple: get sick, wrap up warm (or don't), doesn't matter . The thing is, if your immune system is weak 'cause lack of vitamin D or whatever, then yeah, you're more likely to get sick . It's all about being smart and keeping yourself clean, not just layering up for the cold .

I'm like totally relieved that I don't have to wear a scarf 24/7 or anything! It's so true that getting cold doesn't directly make you more likely to catch flu, but it does play a part in lowering your vitamin D levels and making you more vulnerable to illness. That's something I can actually control with my daily sun exposure and supplements . And I think it's a good idea for public health messaging to focus on hygiene and social distancing too – we should all be looking out for each other, especially during cold and flu season!

Ugh, I mean come on... if I want a cold, I'm gonna get it in a crowded office with the AC cranked up high . But seriously, why do these articles always have to say "research" this or "experts" that? Can't they just tell us straight up how to not catch the flu? Like, improve ventilation and don't be a germ magnet, okay? And by the way, who thought it was a good idea to bundle up in winter if you're gonna make yourself more susceptible to illness?

I gotta say, this myth has been bugging me for ages! I've always wrapped up warm when it gets chilly outside, but never really thought about whether it actually helps or hurts my chances of catching a cold. Now that I think about it, making less Vitamin D during winter months does seem like a decent reason to be more careful about getting infected. But honestly, I think the real game-changer is just being more mindful of how we spread germs around – ventilation and humidity levels are super important!

I'm not buying the idea that being cold increases your chance of getting sick . As the saying goes, "you can't catch a break" but you can definitely take steps to boost your immunity! Keeping your Vitamin D levels up and practicing good hygiene are key to staying healthy, no matter what the weather's like outside .

sounds like a pretty weak excuse for not washing your hands, if you ask me people are still gonna catch the flu regardless of how warm or cold they are

I'm a bit skeptical about this whole "getting cold" thing . I mean, I've been feeling under the weather all winter, but that's just because I live in a small apartment with poor ventilation . It's not like it's directly related to the chill outside. On the other hand, when it gets really cold and dark outside, my immune system does start to struggle . So maybe that's where the connection lies? But let's be real, if I'm going to get sick, it's probably because I'm stuck in a stuffy room with someone who's coughing ...

omg u think gettin cold is a myth? lol i always said that! but its actually kinda cool (get it?) that reduced sunlight can weaken ur immune system during winter months like dont let me be the only one who told u this back in 2018 . improve indoor ventilation and keep ur vitamin d levels up, thats some solid advice

so like i was thinking about this cold myth and its all about the vitamin d thingy... low levels can weaken immune system and viruses spread easier in crowded spaces . also, indoor ventilation is key . its not just about getting warm or cold tho, its about being aware of our surroundings and taking care of ourselves . lets focus on hygiene and social distancing instead of perpetuating myths

I'm kinda surprised by this news tbh . I always thought that getting cold was like, a guaranteed way to catch a cold... but it turns out it's not as simple as that . I mean, yeah, it makes sense that we're more likely to get sick when our immune systems are weakened, like with lower Vitamin D levels or reduced sunlight . But at the same time, it feels kinda weird that we can't just stay warm and cozy without worrying about getting sick... like, doesn't that mean we should be able to relax a bit more? Still, I guess it's good to know that public health messaging should focus on practicing good hygiene and social distancing instead of just telling us to bundle up . Maybe this is a chance for us to rethink how we stay healthy in the winter months...

omg did you know that vitamin d levels can affect ur immune system? like, i just got back from a beach trip last week and my skin was all happy & glowing now i'm stuck in this dark winter again and i'm already feeling kinda sluggish it's so true what the doc said about vitamin d making u more prone to getting sick tho idk if i can actually make a difference by taking supplements or something

Ugh, like I knew this already ! You gotta think about all the factors that affect your immune system, not just the temperature outside. Vitamin D levels are key, fam , and indoor ventilation is a total game-changer for preventing the spread of germs. Don't @ me, but it's not just about bundling up warm, it's about being proactive about your health. Stay hydrated, wash those hands, and keep that immune system boosted . It's all about common sense, not just some outdated myth about cold weather making you more susceptible to the flu

idk why ppl still believe this myth like, just 'cause it's cold outside doesn't mean u r more likely 2 catch the flu... its all about keepin ur immune system strong & practicin good hygiene lol. and vitamin d levels are key u don't wanna be stuck indoors w/ low vibes all winter

Ugh, I'm so over people thinking that getting cold is a surefire way to catch the flu ! Like, nope! It's not that simple. I mean, I get it, my grandma used to tell me that when I was a kid and she'd bundle up in scarves and gloves just to keep warm... but now we know better!

It's actually kinda cool (get it? cool? haha) that scientists like Manal Mohammed are busting this myth. So yeah, the real reason you should be worried about catching the flu is because of low Vitamin D levels and stuffy indoor spaces . Just use a humidifier, take some vitamin D supplements, and don't be afraid to rock out in your sweatpants – that's the real secret to staying healthy this winter!

so I was thinking, getting cold might not be the worst thing when it comes to catching flu... like, it's not a direct cause and all that jazz. but seriously though, I do know some ppl who swear by taking a cold shower every morning to boost their immune system maybe it's worth trying out? plus, vitamin d levels can be super low during winter months, so that's def something we should be paying attention to. anyway, if we focus on good hygiene and social distancing, I think we can stay healthy just fine

I just saw this thread pop up and I'm like "yeah no kidding?" I always thought getting cold was a surefire way to catch a cold too . But now that it's explained, makes total sense. I mean, who wouldn't want to spend more time indoors with poor ventilation? And yeah, low vitamin D levels can weaken our immune systems, so that's a good point too. Maybe we should just focus on staying hydrated and practicing good hygiene instead of bundling up in the cold?