Health Debunked: Can You Actually Get Sick From Being Cold?

“Bundle up so you don’t catch a cold.” You’ve probably heard this advice more than once in your life. But is it true? There are many things that can increase your risk of catching a cold. But is cold weather one of them? 

Researchers have actually looked into this question. Let’s take a closer look at whether you can get sick from being cold and what the research says about how colds spread.

Can you get sick from being cold?

The short answer is no, you can’t catch a cold just from being in cold weather. This myth likely started because people tend to get sick more frequently during colder months, said Heather Moday, MD, a leading immunologist and functional medicine doctor, and the author of “The Immunotype Breakthrough.”

The only way to catch a cold is to be exposed to a virus. But there are a few reasons why colds and other viruses — like COVID-19 and the flu — are more common during colder months. “[In colder months], we spend more time indoors in poorly circulated air,” said Dr. Moday. “And we’re in closer contact with people, who are the main sources of infection.” 

Some other reasons for increased colds during winter include these: 

• Viruses can spread farther and last longer in colder temperatures. 

• Lower vitamin D levels during winter months may make you more likely to get a cold. 

• Dry indoor air can irritate nasal passages which may make it easier for viruses to enter your body. 

• Colder temperatures may lower your immune system and make it harder to fight infections. 

What does the science say?

Here’s a closer look at what the science says. So far, most studies haven’t shown that exposure to cold temperatures can cause a cold. 

In one of the first studies, researchers put volunteers for 2 hours in rooms set to 3 different temperatures: 10°F, 60°F, and 80°F. The volunteers were then exposed to secretions (fluids) from someone with a cold. The rates of infection were similar for all participants, with no significant differences among the different temperatures.

Another later study showed similar results. In this study, volunteers were placed in either a 39.2°F room or an 89.6°F water bath. All of them were exposed to a cold-causing virus. The people who got sick were then exposed to a cold room during various parts of their illness. The cold exposure didn’t make people get sick more often, and it didn’t worsen or prolong their illnesses either. 

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Does zinc prevent colds? It may. Read how and when to take zinc to reduce your symptoms. 

• Foods to boost your immune system: Here’s a list of foods, nutrients, and supplements that can keep your immune system strong all winter.

• Vitamin D and colds: Learn who may need vitamin D to help prevent colds.

However, newer research suggests that being in cold temperatures may make it harder for the cells in the nose to fight off viruses. So far, these have been lab studies. So, more research needs to be done to see if this effect is relevant in people. 

Can you get sick from being wet and cold?

Another common misperception is that going outside with wet hair or wet skin will make you catch a cold. But this isn’t true either. If you get sick after you’re outside with wet hair and feeling chilly, it’s because you came into contact with a virus-causing germ during that period of time.

How to prevent a cold

The best way to protect yourself from a cold is by limiting contact with anyone who has cold symptoms. Avoid people who are sneezing, sniffling, or coughing. “This is the main form of transmission,” said Dr. Moday.

Aside from that, here are some other things that experts recommend:

• Wash your hands, especially after touching public surfaces or shaking hands with others.

• Avoid touching your face — especially your nose, eyes, and mouth. If a cold virus is on your hands, touching your face can introduce it into your respiratory system.

• Wear a face mask.

• Stay hydrated.

• Get plenty of sleep.

• Avoid alcohol.

• Eat plenty of food sources of antioxidants, such as vitamins C, E, and A, as well as beta-carotene and zinc. 

• You can also take a daily supplement of vitamin C and zinc. “Both have been shown to shorten the duration of the common cold,” Dr. Moday said.

• Stay up-to-date with vaccines (like the flu, pneumococcal, and COVID-19 vaccines).

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Written by:

Lindsay Boyers, CHNC

Lindsay Boyers, CHNC, is a functional nutritionist, licensed esthetician, writer, and editor with over a decade of experience in evidence-based health, wellness, and skincare writing.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. A pulmonologist and hospitalist, she practiced and taught clinical medicine at hospitals in London for a decade before entering a career in health education and technology.

Reviewed by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

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