Does cold weather cause you to get sick/fever/common cold?

[Thivagar]

It ticks me off every time some scientist claim that common cold/fever/sick isn't caused by cold weather bu by germs. I only tend to catch cold in the Winter, if I do get sick in Summer/Spring/Autumn it is usually on cold nights where I forget to close my window and the over night temperature drop gets me. I left the window kind of open two days ago as my heater was set on high. I wake up, I feel a sore threat, nose itches and by evening I have a full on cold.

I'm looking to get reasonable answer from some of the doctors regarding this topic and those who feel they that have enough knowledge and experience with cold weather and getting sick.

 

[Abdul]

Have flu at the moment but think it's because of cold winds outside/snow (and my stubbornness to not wear a jacket).

 

[Abdullah719]

No expert opinion from me but colds/sore throats etc. seem to flare up often during the change of season, i.e. just at the start of winter

This is potentially due to reluctance from some people to wear the appropriate warm clothing and the germs start spreading from that point.

This year, there was a fairly drastic drop in temperature here at the start of winter. Lots of coughing and sniffing followed.

 

[Rayyman]

I never get sick. Regardless of the weather.

 

[Donal Cozzie]

Nope. Living in Ireland one gets used to rain,cold,wind on a daily basis.

Rarely suffer flu's as a result

 

[Suleiman]

I love the cold weather. I get cold really easily having lived in hot, humid and then dry climates for most of my life. So my hands get really cold even with gloves, get sick in it sometimes but I still love the weather.

Esp cricket in this weather is very fun though having to stop the bowler while batting to take multiple sneezes is annoying lmao.

 

[Rayyman]

I love the cold weather. I get cold really easily having lived in hot, humid and then dry climates for most of my life. So my hands get really cold even with gloves, get sick in it sometimes but I still love the weather.

Esp cricket in this weather is very fun though having to stop the bowler while batting to take multiple sneezes is annoying lmao.

I doubt you will love the actual cold weather.

 

[world cup captain]

I get one common cold every year and it hasn't happened yet, fingers crossed.

 

[Jin Chacha]

Technically, no.

Since most colds are viral, the symptoms are caused by an infection. However, some studies say that cold weather can increase your susceptibility to getting infected by the pathogens in question. So the answer is MAYBE.

Or at least that is what my doctor told me.

 

[Suleiman]

I doubt you will love the actual cold weather.

I will, trust me.

Seeing snow irl is something I still want to do.

Every winter as a kid I'd get hyped that I'd finally get to see snow, but saw my dreams crushed every year.

But this dream will come true

 

[Pakistanian]

Nope. Living in Ireland one gets used to rain,cold,wind on a daily basis.

Rarely suffer flu's as a result

Is it like that all year round?

 

[PakLFC]

Cold weather obviously causes flu, aches and pains. The answer is to take lots of hot soft drinks like tea, coffee and milk with honey. Taking hot showers and baths also helps in keeping the cold out as does dressing warmly. Such weather is to be expected this time of the year in the British isles.

 

[Madplayer]

Pretty much used to it. Was Minus 5 the night before in the city. Minus 11 in upper reaches.

 

[kingusama92]

I will, trust me.

Seeing snow irl is something I still want to do.

Every winter as a kid I'd get hyped that I'd finally get to see snow, but saw my dreams crushed every year.

But this dream will come true

Let's see if you say the same thing when its -40 outside.

I was born in this climate (Toronto) and can wholeheartedly state you won't love the pain associated with such mind-numbing cold. It feels like needles stabbing against your exposed skin.

 

[JaDed]

Take the famous flu shots which get advertised in GTA so much.

 

[sjahmed23]

Used to get sick very often during seasonal changes when I was young but I improved my diet and removed soda and junk food and it helped my immune system.

 

[Vorador]

Lower temperatures make transmission of viruses between persons easier. Temperature does not directly cause any sickness. Cold water does not make you sick. Reading without a 100W bulb directly shining on your book does not hurt your eyes. In fact, the glare is more likely to be bad for your eyes than the lack of light.

Medical myths are so strong in Pakistan even doctors believe them.

 

[Tera Gawaandi]

Cold weather obviously causes flu, aches and pains. The answer is to take lots of hot soft drinks like tea, coffee and milk with honey. Taking hot showers and baths also helps in keeping the cold out as does dressing warmly. Such weather is to be expected this time of the year in the British isles.

Its actually opposite, a hot drink cools you down.

Hot showers also weaken your immunity, whereas cold showers are known to be anti-depressant and testosterone booster.

In my view, Cold and Hot weather both can be tackled by strong mind, yes mind does play a role. Everything stems from our mind, diseases/weaknesses/lethargy. I prefer to start my shower with slight warm water, not hot enough to dry my hair and skin, I finish with fully cold water, which closes pores and good for blood circulation.

 

[Itachi]

I survived - 30 degree temperature in Ukraine but always get sick even if it is only 15 degrees in india. It's not the cold that bothers me. But I'll have infection every now and then.

 

[Hitman]

Severe asthma attacks.

 

[Zak_Fan]

I don't feel cold at all, but all my fingers get swollen for some reason. My grandfather had similar condition.

 

[Indiafan]

Technically, no.

Since most colds are viral, the symptoms are caused by an infection. However, some studies say that cold weather can increase your susceptibility to getting infected by the pathogens in question. So the answer is MAYBE.

Or at least that is what my doctor told me.

Yes. Cold decreasing your immunity making you more susceptible to the common cold viruses

 

[Indiafan]

Cold weather obviously causes flu, .

No, it doesn't and it is proven by science. Flu is caused by flu virus which generally flourishes in the cold

 

[Indiafan]

In my view, Cold and Hot weather both can be tackled by strong mind, yes mind does play a role. Everything stems from our mind, diseases/weaknesses/lethargy.

Lol, you should start your own pseudo school or book like Deepak Chopra. This is why science should be taught better in school. All of these which you mentioned have multiple reasons

 

[last_knight]

It ticks me off every time some scientist claim that common cold/fever/sick isn't caused by cold weather bu by germs. I only tend to catch cold in the Winter.

Yes. Cold weather causes you to get sick/fever/common cold.

Respiratory system, ( starting from Nose, Throat, Wind Pipe Trachea and eventually Lungs with all their components) can be viewed as a circuit of pipes.

First of all we should understand that inside the body, hollow organs are always exposed to millions of microorganisms lining the surfaces of cavities. Most of times, behaviour of these organisms remains friendly but they can be a cause of illness during unfavourable circumstances.

Now we need to grasp the concept of Mucus glands, Cilia and their functions

On their inner surfaces the pipes of respiratory tract have very small hair like brush borders called "Cilia" and their swaying movements are called ciliary movements (Respiratory Cilia are present predominantly in throat, trachea and first few parts of lungs). Also these areas have mucus glands that continuously secrete mucus. Ciliary movements are responsible for smooth flow and continuos clearing of mucus and along with it continuous clearing of microorganisms.

Cold weather, and for that matter cold water and drinks, slows down the ciliary movements thus slowing mucus clearing process. It's this stagnation of mucus that prolongs the exposure of respiratory channels to microorganisms hence more chances of getting infection. ( Try to understand it that lifting 5kg weight bars for 40 times, in 4 sets of 10 lifts, helps strengthening your muscles but lifting 200kg at one go may be beyond your limits and will damage your tendons and muscle fibres).

(My advice : If you frequently get flu in cold weather, keep yourself WELL hydrated. Better if you drink semi warm water.)

 

[Yossarian]

In cold weather everone keeps windows and doors closed, be it in offices, schools or homes. So if one gets the flu, it goes around like wildfire. Sometimes, especially in large open plan offices, it comes back to have a second go or even third go. Is that because whilst it's doing the rounds it's mutated slightly and so any immunity developed by you during it's first round becomes irrelevant? Medics, opinions please!!

Just to add. Because of airconditioned modern offices where again windows and doors are closed to keep the cool air in and warm air out, even in summer if one person in the office gets a cold, it again does a tour around the whole office.

 

[Robert]

It ticks me off every time some scientist claim that common cold/fever/sick isn't caused by cold weather bu by germs.

Of course they are caused by bacteria and viruses.

My understanding is that in cold weather your body is using energy to stay warm, which means you have a bit less to pump out new white cells with, so your immune response is reduced, so pathogens can infect you.

Just wrap up warm and drink hot drinks.

 

[Robert]

Lol, you should start your own pseudo school or book like Deepak Chopra. This is why science should be taught better in school. All of these which you mentioned have multiple reasons

Agreed, but there is a correlation between positive mental attitudes and recovery rates from cancer and other disease processes. Generally being positive pumps your immune response up!

 

[last_knight]

In cold weather everone keeps windows and doors closed, be it in offices, schools or homes. So if one gets the flu, it goes around like wildfire. Sometimes, especially in large open plan offices, it comes back to have a second go or even third go. Is that because whilst it's doing the rounds it's mutated slightly and so any immunity developed by you during it's first round becomes irrelevant? Medics, opinions please!!

Just to add. Because of airconditioned modern offices where again windows and doors are closed to keep the cool air in and warm air out, even in summer if one person in the office gets a cold, it again does a tour around the whole office.

We are always exposed to pathogens (viruses, bacteria etc). In normal circumstances our immunity does well to cordon off these pathogens.

Abnormal circumstances includes Physical and/or Mental stress. Physical stress may be Fatigue, Poor hygiene, Poor environment or any other ongoing illness.

Btw, most people underestimate the role of Mental stress in predisposing us to physical illnesses. This in fact is WAY MORE IMPORTANT as compared to Physical stress.

 

[Hawkeye]

Cold weather is not the direct reason.

However

YES, you have a much higher chance of getting flu or cold in winters.

Why? Because the flu virus can survive for CONSIDERABLY longer periods in the environment when it's cold. You also have more closed rooms, people to people contact is more OR they're closer to each other in closed spaces.

So, whether you're outside or inside, you have a higher chance of catching that virus.

It's a proven study. Anybody who tells you cold weather has nothing to do with it is wrong and being naive.

If you're in an environment with more outbreaks of flu and cold, you'll have a higher chance of getting them too. E.g. 3rd world countries.

And

It's also a fact that immunity is lowered in winters than in summers. That's also a factor.

 

[Rayyman]

I will, trust me.

Seeing snow irl is something I still want to do.

Every winter as a kid I'd get hyped that I'd finally get to see snow, but saw my dreams crushed every year.

But this dream will come true

There is a difference between one snowy day and a whole winter full of snow. Snow eventually does get annoying.

 

[PakLFC]

No, it doesn't and it is proven by science. Flu is caused by flu virus which generally flourishes in the cold

My GP tells me cold does cause flu. I'll take his word over yours.

 

[Thivagar]

Yes. Cold weather causes you to get sick/fever/common cold.

Respiratory system, ( starting from Nose, Throat, Wind Pipe Trachea and eventually Lungs with all their components) can be viewed as a circuit of pipes.

First of all we should understand that inside the body, hollow organs are always exposed to millions of microorganisms lining the surfaces of cavities. Most of times, behaviour of these organisms remains friendly but they can be a cause of illness during unfavourable circumstances.

Now we need to grasp the concept of Mucus glands, Cilia and their functions

On their inner surfaces the pipes of respiratory tract have very small hair like brush borders called "Cilia" and their swaying movements are called ciliary movements (Respiratory Cilia are present predominantly in throat, trachea and first few parts of lungs). Also these areas have mucus glands that continuously secrete mucus. Ciliary movements are responsible for smooth flow and continuos clearing of mucus and along with it continuous clearing of microorganisms.

Cold weather, and for that matter cold water and drinks, slows down the ciliary movements thus slowing mucus clearing process. It's this stagnation of mucus that prolongs the exposure of respiratory channels to microorganisms hence more chances of getting infection. ( Try to understand it that lifting 5kg weight bars for 40 times, in 4 sets of 10 lifts, helps strengthening your muscles but lifting 200kg at one go may be beyond your limits and will damage your tendons and muscle fibres).

(My advice : If you frequently get flu in cold weather, keep yourself WELL hydrated. Better if you drink semi warm water.)

I was told by doctor few times that I have "sinus problem". Is the cold weather and my habit of drinking Ice cream, bubble tea and cold beer causing infection to shoot up ?
Can i drink hot water over warm water?

 

[Thivagar]

Of course they are caused by bacteria and viruses.

My understanding is that in cold weather your body is using energy to stay warm, which means you have a bit less to pump out new white cells with, so your immune response is reduced, so pathogens can infect you.

Just wrap up warm and drink hot drinks.

Thanks, im doing that now. Everything from water to shower to drinks are also hot. Heard drinking Rum while you are getting sick kills your cold, tried that and didnt work. I don't know if its just me but when im sick I cant do normal activities, everything irritates me, i cant even wash my hands with water that is little cold it makes me want to punch myself and i can touch, feel and drink anything and everything that is very warm to hot.

 

[aloo paratha]

I don't usually get sick, but when I do... Terribly

Around this year last time I got so sick for about 9 days, missed the whole week of school, similar thing happened a couple of years ago. Usually, When I get sick, it's in the cold, don't know the real reasons because I'm not a doctor.

 

[last_knight]

I was told by doctor few times that I have "sinus problem". Is the cold weather and my habit of drinking Ice cream, bubble tea and cold beer causing infection to shoot up ?
Can i drink hot water over warm water?

Sinusitis is the infection of nose and paranasal sinuses. Basic concept of sinus problem is same as I explained earlier. Mucus continuously flows through these cavities to wash them. This continuous drainage of these cavities keep them protected from prolonged exposure to microorganisms.

More or less the basic reason is stagnation of mucus. Drinking warm or hot water decreases our risk of getting infections of sinuses and respiratory channels, and if one gets infected, it helps catalyzing recovery (obviously one will need antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medicines).

Hot water is better than warm water. Should not be too hot like regular tea to restrict you to sips.

Long standing sinusitis compromises hydration of head and forehead. This will result in coarsening of hair and earlt graying.

When you swallow this thick mucus, it will result in flatulence, indigestion. Drinking Hot water will improve this.

( I hope this post survives the axe of mods. It shouldn't be read as a medical prescription).

 

[street cricketer]

Thanks, im doing that now. Everything from water to shower to drinks are also hot. Heard drinking Rum while you are getting sick kills your cold, tried that and didnt work. I don't know if its just me but when im sick I cant do normal activities, everything irritates me, i cant even wash my hands with water that is little cold it makes me want to punch myself and i can touch, feel and drink anything and everything that is very warm to hot.

Veeetla kashayam kuduthangala?

Scientific studies say cold weather doesn't cause flu or cold per se and attribute the correlation to various other reasons like many people being together in winter, etc etc. But intha vella kaaranga eppome ipdi thaan. Mukkaavasi namaku pani la thaan sali thummal varum.

Just take a paracetamol to control your fever and any antihistamines if you have persistent runny nose and watery eyes. Drink hot water and do salt water gargling to ease the pain of the sore throat. Nalla oru porvai pothitu kuppura paduthu thoongu. Will automatically subside in 2 or 3 days at max. Avoid alcohol (or moderate its intake) if you keep getting such bouts of infection because it is known to cause allergy in some people which can lead to sinusitis.

 

[jeetu]

Too much hot water can cause more problems in long run. I had chronic sinus issue for couple of early year. But "Kunjal" helped me immensely. Essentially it mean on empty stomach drink as much as water as humanly possible , then vomit it back by putting 2 finger deep inside throat. It pretty much cleans mucus entirely in just few days. Its a messy method for sure but extremely effective.

 

[Thivagar]

Veeetla kashayam kuduthangala?

Scientific studies say cold weather doesn't cause flu or cold per se and attribute the correlation to various other reasons like many people being together in winter, etc etc. But intha vella kaaranga eppome ipdi thaan. Mukkaavasi namaku pani la thaan sali thummal varum.

Just take a paracetamol to control your fever and any antihistamines if you have persistent runny nose and watery eyes. Drink hot water and do salt water gargling to ease the pain of the sore throat. Nalla oru porvai pothitu kuppura paduthu thoongu. Will automatically subside in 2 or 3 days at max. Avoid alcohol (or moderate its intake) if you keep getting such bouts of infection because it is known to cause allergy in some people which can lead to sinusitis.

Kashayam talk hasn't started but im sure it will start very soon. I don' know if it works or not it definitely makes my throat feel better.

Exactly, I don't know who do they do these scientific tests on ? Do they study using people with European descents who have always lived through cold winters for 1000s of years ? or do they get people from various parts of the world and study their body ?

I take a very good pill called "Advil" here and it does well for cold and sinus. Some times today Kashayam will come into play, along with pepper and honey. I only had one shot of rum only cause I wanted to see if it was going to prevent the cold, gave my entire Beer pint to my other friend cause I didn't want to deal with cold. Does having sinus in your cheeks and forehead cause infection ?

 

[Thivagar]

Sinusitis is the infection of nose and paranasal sinuses. Basic concept of sinus problem is same as I explained earlier. Mucus continuously flows through these cavities to wash them. This continuous drainage of these cavities keep them protected from prolonged exposure to microorganisms.

More or less the basic reason is stagnation of mucus. Drinking warm or hot water decreases our risk of getting infections of sinuses and respiratory channels, and if one gets infected, it helps catalyzing recovery (obviously one will need antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medicines).

Hot water is better than warm water. Should not be too hot like regular tea to restrict you to sips.

Long standing sinusitis compromises hydration of head and forehead. This will result in coarsening of hair and earlt graying.

When you swallow this thick mucus, it will result in flatulence, indigestion. Drinking Hot water will improve this.

( I hope this post survives the axe of mods. It shouldn't be read as a medical prescription).

Thank you so much. Couple of years ago my doctor once told me to always consume everything hot and even spicy to drain my mucus. Obviously I only did that till my cold was gone.

 

[Thivagar]

Too much hot water can cause more problems in long run. I had chronic sinus issue for couple of early year. But "Kunjal" helped me immensely. Essentially it mean on empty stomach drink as much as water as humanly possible , then vomit it back by putting 2 finger deep inside throat. It pretty much cleans mucus entirely in just few days. Its a messy method for sure but extremely effective.

There has to be another way..............

 

[Syed1]

In Canada it gets so cold that the influenza virus dies. Not joking, look it up.

However, when the season is changing from hot to cold or from cold to hot then everybody has the sniffles..

 

[street cricketer]

Kashayam talk hasn't started but im sure it will start very soon. I don' know if it works or not it definitely makes my throat feel better.

Exactly, I don't know who do they do these scientific tests on ? Do they study using people with European descents who have always lived through cold winters for 1000s of years ? or do they get people from various parts of the world and study their body ?

I take a very good pill called "Advil" here and it does well for cold and sinus. Some times today Kashayam will come into play, along with pepper and honey. I only had one shot of rum only cause I wanted to see if it was going to prevent the cold, gave my entire Beer pint to my other friend cause I didn't want to deal with cold. Does having sinus in your cheeks and forehead cause infection ?

Everybody has sinuses in their skull bone, they are basically air cavities inside the skull bone which everyone has. It might get infected in certain conditions. For example if you have allergy, the sinuses get congested leading to a block in the drainage of the mucus which is present inside the sinus. The stagnation of mucus creates a situation conducive for bacterial multiplication and hence the infection. You might also get sinusitis through a spread of bacterial/viral infection from your upper respiratory tract (inside part of the nose).

 

[desirous of desire]

Because my house is open to atmosphere , viruses get ventilated so i dont usually get sick.

 

[SL_Fan]

Thank you so much. Couple of years ago my doctor once told me to always consume everything hot and even spicy to drain my mucus. Obviously I only did that till my cold was gone.

Try Olive leaf extract champ.

 

[Donal Cozzie]

In Canada it gets so cold that the influenza virus dies. Not joking, look it up.

However, when the season is changing from hot to cold or from cold to hot then everybody has the sniffles..

Isn't that a good thing??

 

[troodon]

Its not the cold weather itself for me. I have been in sub-zero climate and I was fine.

What kicks my behind is the cold + pollution. Those heavy particles in the fog and air.

Problem with living in West is that we live in houses without proper ventilation. Germs and viruses can happily stay inside out homes for longer periods of time.

 

[WC-Passion]

In the winter I wake up everday hoping that I'm not ill, it's ridiclous and quite frustrating having to deal with a cold when trying to work, and if I don't have a cold I'll have a sore throat.

In the summer I'm completely fine, never get ill at all, just in the winter it get's pretty extreme and going to school has been a pain.

 

[srh]

It ticks me off every time some scientist claim that common cold/fever/sick isn't caused by cold weather bu by germs. I only tend to catch cold in the Winter, if I do get sick in Summer/Spring/Autumn it is usually on cold nights where I forget to close my window and the over night temperature drop gets me. I left the window kind of open two days ago as my heater was set on high. I wake up, I feel a sore threat, nose itches and by evening I have a full on cold.

I'm looking to get reasonable answer from some of the doctors regarding this topic and those who feel they that have enough knowledge and experience with cold weather and getting sick.

scientists can be wrong; for example there are some scientists who dont believe there is a God