Spending time outside on chilly days may be a common assumption among many when it comes to catching a cold. However, experts say this notion is largely anecdotal and not supported by scientific evidence.
According to John Tregoning, a professor in vaccine immunology at Imperial College London, the relationship between spending time outdoors in the cold and contracting a cold is more about correlation than causation. The main driver of increased colds during winter is actually our behavior, particularly staying indoors with poor ventilation and being in closer contact with others.
While UV light can indeed kill viruses, its impact on reducing the spread of illnesses through sneezing outside is minimal. In fact, studies have shown that rhinoviruses, a common cause of the common cold, grow better at cooler temperatures. Moreover, our immune system's ability to defend against viruses is slightly reduced in colder air.
So what drives the increase in colds during winter? Tregoning points to behavioral factors such as increased human contact and poor ventilation indoors. As schools reopen after summer breaks, kids tend to spread germs around in small classrooms, contributing to the higher incidence of rhinovirus infections. Similarly, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) peaks around the new year.
Data from the COVID-19 pandemic also highlights the significance of human interaction in the transmission of viruses. Many other viruses disappeared during lockdown periods when people weren't interacting with one another. Even a strain of flu became extinct due to reduced spread.
The only cold-busting strategy that holds scientific merit is vaccination against winter viruses like flu and RSV. Vaccines not only prevent infection but also offer broader benefits, including reducing the risk of heart attacks, according to Tregoning.
According to John Tregoning, a professor in vaccine immunology at Imperial College London, the relationship between spending time outdoors in the cold and contracting a cold is more about correlation than causation. The main driver of increased colds during winter is actually our behavior, particularly staying indoors with poor ventilation and being in closer contact with others.
While UV light can indeed kill viruses, its impact on reducing the spread of illnesses through sneezing outside is minimal. In fact, studies have shown that rhinoviruses, a common cause of the common cold, grow better at cooler temperatures. Moreover, our immune system's ability to defend against viruses is slightly reduced in colder air.
So what drives the increase in colds during winter? Tregoning points to behavioral factors such as increased human contact and poor ventilation indoors. As schools reopen after summer breaks, kids tend to spread germs around in small classrooms, contributing to the higher incidence of rhinovirus infections. Similarly, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) peaks around the new year.
Data from the COVID-19 pandemic also highlights the significance of human interaction in the transmission of viruses. Many other viruses disappeared during lockdown periods when people weren't interacting with one another. Even a strain of flu became extinct due to reduced spread.
The only cold-busting strategy that holds scientific merit is vaccination against winter viruses like flu and RSV. Vaccines not only prevent infection but also offer broader benefits, including reducing the risk of heart attacks, according to Tregoning.
So it turns out all that time spent outside in the cold might not be the best way to catch a cold... 
I mean, I know what I always do when I feel under the weather - go for a walk or something! 
But maybe we've been misled by our own personal experiences? 
It's actually all about how we're living our lives and being around others that makes us more prone to getting sick... poor ventilation indoors is a big one. And it's not just about the cold itself, but also the viruses and germs that are more active in cooler temps. 
Vaccination is still the way to go tho - got my flu shot already! 
. Can't we have a thread without some random guy trying to debunk an old wives' tale? Like, who cares if spending time outside in the cold doesn't actually give you a cold? It's not like it's gonna make or break our lives 
. And what's up with all these scientists sounding like they're trying to sell us something? "Get vaccinated, it's science!" 
Give me a break.
. Can't we just have a conversation without trying to prove a point? 
. I mean, think about it - we're basically just making ourselves more susceptible to germs when we're all stuck indoors together 
. And yeah, vaccines are def the way to go here 
. Vaccination is like 90% effective against flu and RSV, which is pretty impressive. But can't we also make our homes a bit more germ-free by improving ventilation and keeping surfaces clean? It's not all about medication, you know?
ugh! i remember back in my day we didn't know all this science stuff about viruses & immunity so when winter came around we'd just bundle up & huddle indoors with a hot cuppa hoping to avoid getting sick 
it's actually the opposite: cooler temps can make viruses worse & makes our immune systems weaker
. It's not just about going outside in the cold, it's about how we behave indoors too. Like, seriously, can't we all just get along and stay six feet apart when someone's got a sniffle? 
Well, let me tell you, it's not that simple. It's all about correlation vs causation, and we need to focus on the real drivers of cold season: poor hygiene and human interaction.
back in the day, "Staying indoors with good ventilation is key to staying healthy." But it seems like that's not as important nowadays 
...
.
. It's all about understanding how our behavior affects our health, you know?
I mean come on, people still think spending time outside in the cold is gonna cure what ails 'em? 
No way, it's just not supported by science at all! The real culprit is how we're treatin' our homes and schools... poor ventilation + crowded spaces = breeding ground for viruses. And don't even get me started on vaccination - vaccines are the only reliable way to protect ourselves from these nasty bugs. 
I'm so over this myth that cold air's bad for your immune system, rhinoviruses actually thrive in cooler temps! 
. So, instead of bundling up, we should focus on getting vaccinated 
.
I mean, it's not just about being outdoors that gets you sick, it's actually staying indoors with bad air quality and being around others who might be sick. 
Anyway, I'm all about getting vaccinated this winter - it's literally the only surefire way to avoid catching a cold 
whereas UV light isn't really the game changer we think it is 
but vaccines are still the way to go for real cold protection 
I totally get it! Who needs colds anyway? 
spending time outdoors doesn't seem like a reliable way to avoid getting sick 
and keep your place ventilated, and you're good to go 
vaccination is the real MVP, for sure 