Why is being cold bad for you?

Answer 1

It really isn't unless you get to the point of hypothermia, frost bite, or other tissue damage from exposure. There is a longstanding and widespread belief that getting cold, like going outside without a coat or being in the rain, etc., can make you catch the common cold, pneumonia, or other infectious disease.

However, many scientifically controlled university studies have been conducted to determine if feeling cold or being wet and cold increases your risk of becoming infected with a cold or flu virus, or with viral or bacterial pneumonia. Although you have probably heard that said over and over, the results of the studies have been reproduced, analyzed, and tested. There is no scientific proof that getting cold can cause you to have an infection, unless hypothermia and its consequences and related conditions exist.

It is thought by some that this belief in a connection between the colds and flu and cold weather began long ago before there was any knowledge of the existence of pathogens/germs. Because the cold and flu viruses tend to be commonly around during the "flu season" in the colder months (likely an environmental preference), and not as frequently at the other times of year, people made the assumption that it was the cold weather that made them sick. Now it is known that these are Infectious Diseases caused by germs and that exposure to cold does not make you ill, just uncomfortable (except as mentioned above).

Having the results of studies like these has not stopped the belief from continuing, however. The sayings, "Button up your coat so you don't get sick," "Don't go to bed (or outside) with wet hair or you will catch a cold," "I was out all day working in the cold weather, so I got the flu," "The weather has been changeable from hot to cold and cold to hot and so I am sick," "Shut that drafty window or you will catch your death of cold," etc. are all from long before we had the current scientific information and will no doubt continue to be said and believed. Besides, it is a nice tradition to let us show our concern for each other and their health.

To prevent colds and influenza, use proper hand washing, avoid those with symptoms (especially if they are coughing and sneezing and stay 6 feet away, if at all possible), and get flu vaccinations.

See also the related questions below for more information.