Cold Weather Doesn’t Cause Colds, Cleveland Clinic Doctor Says

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cold winter weather does not directly cause the common cold, but it can create conditions that make it easier for viruses to spread, according to Dr. Neha Vyas of the Cleveland Clinic News Service. Vyas said the idea that people “catch a cold” simply from being outside in low temperatures is a persistent myth. The common cold is caused by viruses, not by exposure to cold air. The distinction matters during winter months because focusing only on temperature can distract from the factors that actually drive seasonal spikes in respiratory illness. Vyas said winter conditions often bring drier air, which can affect the nose and throat. Dry air can contribute to irritation and dryness in the upper respiratory tract, which may make people feel uncomfortable and can influence how well those tissues function as part of the body’s first line of defense. Cold weather also tends to change how people gather, Vyas said. People spend more time indoors during the winter, often in closer proximity to one another. That increase in indoor contact can make it easier for viruses that cause colds to move from person to person. Vyas said the combination of wintertime indoor behavior and environmental conditions helps explain why colds and other respiratory illnesses are more common during the season, even though the cold temperature itself is not the root cause. Vyas offered several practical steps people can take to reduce their risk of getting sick during the winter months. She recommended regular hand washing, staying hydrated and keeping up with winter vaccinations. The guidance is aimed at helping people focus on prevention strategies that address viral spread, rather than assuming that bundling up alone will prevent illness. -------------------- At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.