Does cold weather really cause a cold?
Family Health
SJ/C primary care physician in Richmond Hill Dr. Russell Lake also discusses the differences between a cold, the flu and COVID
It’s proven that colds are more common in colder months. But what’s the culprit?
It’s not what your mamma said: Not wearing a jacket, sporting flip flops or going outside with wet hair in the winter. None of these have been shown to increase your risk of getting a cold, says Dr. Russell Lake, family medicine physician with St. Joseph’s/Candler Primary Care in Richmond Hill.
However, that doesn’t mean cooler temperatures don’t play a role. When it’s colder outside that typically means less humidity and dryer air. Dry air dries out our nasal passageway and our respiratory passageway making it easier for viruses and bacteria to infect our bodies because there’s less mucus, which acts as a defense against infections, Dr. Lake says.
Another cause of a cold is frequently touching our face, mouth, nose and eyes, making it easier for bacteria and viruses to enter our bodies. This is especially true for young children.
Additionally in the wintertime, we tend to be indoors much more often.
“In the summertime, we are outside with family barbecuing, and in the wintertime, we are gathering inside for Thanksgiving and inside for Christmas. I would say all these factors mentioned contribute to more frequent colds in colder months,” Dr. Lake says.
Related Article: Want to avoid getting sick this winter?
What is considered the common cold?
A cold is caused by any one of several viruses that cause inflammation of the membranes that line the nose and throat. There are more than 200 different viruses that can cause a cold, but rhinoviruses cause the most colds.
The common cold easily spreads to others. It’s often spread through airborne droplets that are coughed or sneezed into the air by someone who is sick. The droplets are then inhaled by another person. Colds also can spread when a sick person touches you or a surface, such as a doorknob, that you then touch. That’s why it’s important that if you do feel like you have a cold to try to self-isolate and avoid others as much as possible.
Is it a cold, the flu or COVID?
There are symptoms that are more likely to be associated with one infection over the other, Dr. Lake says. However, without being evaluated and tested, there’s no defining way to know if it’s a cold, COVID or the flu.
The typical symptoms of a cold are runny nose, cough and itchy-watery eyes, Dr. Lake says. Sometimes sinus pressure, headache or ear pain can be signs of a cold. These also can be symptoms of the flu or COVID. However, those infections tend to be more respiratory related and are often accompanied with a fever. COVID can be further separated out if you experience loss of taste or smell and experience GI symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, Dr. Lake says.
If your symptoms are mild and you can self-isolate, testing may not be necessary, Dr. Lake says. However, testing can help properly diagnose a cold, the flu, COVID, RSV or other common wintertime illnesses. “Especially if it’s something that is progressing, then it may be more important to know exactly what we are treating,” Dr. Lake says.
Related Article: Is it COVID-19, the flu or just seasonal allergies?
How can I treat my symptoms?
“If you feel like your symptoms can be treated with over the counter medications, such as decongestions or cough suppressants, and you are able to stay hydrated, it’s certainly OK to stay isolated and treat at home,” Dr. Lake says. “If they are just not sure or want peace of mind knowing what they have, then we are happy to triage those symptoms over the phone or however we need to.”
If symptoms, like shortness of breath get more severe, or if GI problems are causing dehydration or lack of urination, then you should be evaluated by a medical professional either through your primary care office, urgent care or, if really severe, go to the emergency room.
How can I prevent getting sick this winter?
Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee you won’t catch a cold at some point. Colds are the main reason that children miss school and adults miss work. Each year in the U.S., millions of people get a cold. In fact, adults have an average of two to three colds per year, and children have even more, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. There are steps you can take to reduce your likelihood of catching a cold, or worse the flu or COVID.
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds frequently or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
- Avoid people who are sick, or if you feel sick, stay away from others to reduce spread
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Keep frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, countertops, phones, computers, clean and disinfected
“Some of the lessons we’ve learned from the COVID pandemic is just how important hand hygiene is at preventing the spread of germs. Face coverings have been effective too and certainly avoiding other people when you are sick would be most ideal,” Dr. Lake says.
Coming Thursday: View an infographic on the proper steps to hand washing