by Maria C Collins

Created on: October 29, 2009   Last Updated: January 09, 2011

People believe many myths about the common cold. Mother always told you to put more clothes on, when the weather was wet, or cold, and not to go outside with wet hair. She got very concerned, if you got caught in the rain and got soaked through, and told you not to walk around indoors without anything on your feet. It does seem that more people catch colds in wet or cold weather, or when they have done some of the things that Mum warned against.

Others say that these are all old Wives' tales, and that it is viruses which cause colds. Both of these, apparently, opposite and conflicting positions have some truth in them. It is absolutely true that it is viruses that cause the common cold in humans. They are passed from person to person. The old wartime slogan "coughs and sneezes spread diseases" was completely correct. There are around 20,000 virus ridden droplets in each sneeze. These droplets shoot out at a tremendous rate. You can catch a cold from contact with someone, who has a cold. They do not have to sneeze on you; a kiss or a handshake is enough to pass you the germs.

A person getting very cold, or wet, does not cause a cold. However research shows that getting very cold, or very wet, or sitting around in wet clothes, or with wet hair, does stress the body and, thus, weaken the immune system, which may allow a virus to gain a foothold in your body.

Wet weather, or more likely damp conditions, allow germs the right conditions to multiply fast. In cold and wet weather, humans tend to be indoors more, and heated houses, allow germs to multiply. It is, therefore, far more likely that you will catch a cold in wet, or cold, weather.

There are a few simple ways to prevent colds from spreading. If you have a cold, do not be a martyr and struggle in to work. Do your colleagues a favour, and stay at home. One person spluttering all over the place can infect a whole workplace. Use paper handkerchiefs when you sneeze, throw them away immediately and wash your hands. Use anti-bacterial cleaner, or wipes, on door knobs, telephone receivers, and light switches, also wipe down the banisters on the stairs.

Wear sufficient clothing in cold weather, and wear suitable clothing in wet weather. Do not allow yourself to get very cold and, if you do get soaked through in rainy weather, change your clothes as soon as possible.

Extreme cold can cause hypothermia, which causes problems all of its own especially in the elderly and babies.

Whilst cold, or wet weather, does not cause a cold, it may create the conditions in your body where the cold virus can gain a hold. Mother was partly right, and anyway you should never argue with your mother.

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