5 Cold-Weather Myths Debunked by Experts: What Really Prevents or Causes a Cold
Uncover the truth behind common cold myths and what really helps you stay healthy.
5 Cold-Weather Myths Doctors Want to Debunk
As the chill of respiratory virus season settles in, many people are preparing for the inevitable onslaught of colds. The U.S. sees a seasonal surge in colds, with adults catching them an average of two to three times per year. With the right precautions, it’s possible to reduce your chances of getting sick, but it’s also essential to separate the facts from the myths.
Every year, we hear the same well-intentioned advice on how to avoid getting sick. From staying indoors when you’re cold to loading up on vitamin C, the myths about colds are everywhere. But which of these common beliefs are actually true, and which are just misconceptions? To find out, we consulted experts in infectious diseases to bust the most persistent cold-related myths and separate the science from the folklore.
Myth #1: One Virus Causes the Common Cold
The Truth: Multiple Viruses Can Trigger a Cold
It’s easy to think of the common cold as one simple illness caused by a single virus, but the reality is far more complicated. According to Dr. Thomas Russo, a professor and chief of infectious diseases at the University at Buffalo, there are more than 200 viruses that can cause cold-like symptoms. This means your immune system has to battle a wide variety of pathogens, which is why you can catch a cold multiple times during one season.
Rhinoviruses are the most common culprits, but the list doesn’t stop there. Other viruses, such as human coronaviruses, parainfluenza viruses, enteroviruses, and even human metapneumovirus, can all cause cold symptoms. While these are the main culprits, it’s also worth noting that viruses like influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can mimic cold symptoms but don’t technically cause the common cold, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Why This Myth Persists
Because people tend to catch colds repeatedly throughout the year, they might assume that a single virus is behind each episode. However, given the number of potential viral causes, it’s no wonder colds seem to strike over and over.
Myth #2: Wet Hair Makes You More Likely to Get Sick
The Truth: Cold Weather and Wet Hair Don’t Directly Cause Colds
You’ve likely heard it a hundred times: “Don’t go outside with wet hair, or you’ll catch a cold!” This common belief just isn’t true. Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, points out that colds are caused by viruses, not by being cold or wet. The idea that wet hair increases your chances of catching a cold has been debunked through multiple studies.
In one study, researchers divided participants into two groups—one group remained warm and comfortable, while the other was exposed to damp conditions. Both groups were then exposed to the common cold virus. The results? Both groups became infected at the same rate, regardless of their exposure to cold or wet conditions.
Why This Myth Persists
While it’s true that cold weather often coincides with cold season, there’s no direct link between being chilly or having wet hair and catching a virus. Colds are spread through contact with infected droplets, not from being outside in the cold.
Myth #3: Vitamin C Can Prevent a Cold
The Truth: Vitamin C Doesn’t Prevent Colds, But It May Reduce Symptoms
Vitamin C is often touted as a miracle cure for colds, with countless supplements and products promising to ward off illness. But the evidence supporting this claim is far from convincing. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), vitamin C supplements do not reduce the risk of getting the common cold.
However, some studies show that taking vitamin C at the onset of a cold can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms. In a review of 29 clinical trials, researchers found that daily doses of at least one gram of vitamin C could reduce the duration of a cold by about 15%. Additionally, vitamin C was shown to alleviate cold symptoms, making the illness feel less severe.
Why This Myth Persists
Vitamin C has long been associated with immune health, and people often take it in hopes of preventing illness. While it may not be a magic bullet, it can offer some relief once symptoms have started.
Myth #4: You Can Only Get a Cold in the Winter
The Truth: Colds Can Happen Year-Round
Though we often associate colds with winter months, it’s important to know that colds can occur at any time of year. Viruses like rhinoviruses tend to circulate more frequently in cooler months, which is why colds are more common between September and May. However, Dr. Russo explains that other viruses, like enteroviruses, are more active during the warmer months, leading to so-called “summer colds.”
Why This Myth Persists
Because the flu and other cold-causing viruses are most active during colder months, people often assume that colds are exclusively a winter problem. But the reality is that viruses are present year-round, and colds can strike when you least expect them.
Myth #5: Antibiotics Can Cure a Cold
The Truth: Antibiotics Won’t Treat a Cold
One of the most dangerous myths about colds is that antibiotics can cure them. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, and the common cold is caused by a virus—not bacteria. Dr. Russo emphasizes that taking antibiotics for a cold is not only ineffective but also potentially harmful. Overuse of antibiotics can contribute to antibiotic resistance, making it harder to treat bacterial infections in the future.
In some cases, what you think is a cold could be something more serious, like bronchitis, strep throat, or pneumonia. If your symptoms worsen or you experience a fever or sore throat, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
Why This Myth Persists
Antibiotics are widely prescribed, and many people assume they’ll help with anything that causes symptoms. However, using them unnecessarily only contributes to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
While these myths are debunked, there are still effective steps you can take to stay healthy and reduce your risk of catching a cold:
- Wash Your Hands Regularly: Frequent handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of viruses.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth, which are prime entry points for viruses.
- Boost Your Immune System: While vitamin C won’t prevent a cold, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep can help strengthen your immune system.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids helps your body fight infections and keeps your throat moist, which can prevent irritation.
- Avoid Close Contact with Sick People: If someone around you is sick, practice good hygiene and try to minimize contact to reduce your risk of exposure.
Conclusion: Stay Informed, Stay Healthy
Understanding the truth behind common cold myths is the first step in protecting yourself during the colder months. While there’s no surefire way to prevent a cold, adopting healthy habits and being aware of the facts can go a long way in helping you avoid illness. Remember, cold viruses don’t care if you have wet hair, and antibiotics won’t help you feel better faster. Stay informed and take proactive steps to strengthen your immune system for a healthier season ahead.
