“Cold weather causes colds”

The notion that chilly weather directly causes a cold is a deeply ingrained misconception, one that has persisted for centuries, predating our understanding of germs. Historically, illnesses were often attributed to environmental factors like "bad weather or wet feet". This folklore has proven remarkably stubborn, even with decades of scientific advancements.

The scientific truth is that colds are caused by viruses, not cold temperatures. There are over 200 different viruses capable of causing the common cold, with rhinoviruses being the most frequent culprits. These viruses spread through airborne droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching one's eyes, nose, or mouth.

People commonly believe the myth because there's a clear correlation: cold cases do indeed spike during colder months, typically from early fall to late winter. This isn't due to the cold itself, but rather a combination of factors. When temperatures drop, people tend to spend more time indoors in closer proximity to one another, creating ideal conditions for viral transmission. Furthermore, cold and dry air can dry out nasal passages, making them more vulnerable to infection, and some research suggests colder temperatures can impair the immune response in the nose or even make certain viruses more infectious. So, while cold air doesn't make you sick directly, it creates an environment where viruses can spread more easily and your body's initial defenses might be slightly less effective.