Does the cold make us sick? Myths and truths

The arrival of winter makes them colds, flu and other respiratory infections shoot again. In this context, the question often arises about whether the cold is really responsible for making us sicker or if it simply acts as a facilitator of viruses.

Scientific evidence indicates that low temperatures do not cause infections on their own, as they depend on viruses or bacteria. However, the cold does influence our respiratory defenses. According to Dr. Antonio Ramos, a specialist in Internal Medicine and member of the Infectious Diseases Working Group of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI)to Infosalus, the drop in temperatures causes vasoconstriction in the respiratory mucosa, “thus allowing viruses to access and replicate more easily in the upper airways and thanks to the cold.”

The expert also remembers that cold, dry air can dehydrate the nasal and tracheal mucosa, alter the functioning of cilia and reduce the release of extracellular vesicles with antiviral properties, “which favors the colonization and multiplication of pathogens.”

Faced with some popular beliefs, Dr. Ramos talks about some widespread myths. “Going out with wet hair or bare feet does not directly cause colds; you need to be exposed to the virus. Antibiotics are not useful to treat colds or flu, which are viral infections.” Also, remember that “vitamin C in high doses does not prevent colds in the general population”; nor do we lose most of our body heat through the head; “this is a similar proportion to that of any other exposed part of the body.”

Can the cold aggravate the symptoms?

When a respiratory infection develops, exposure to the cold can worsen symptoms or prolong the disease. “In the presence of an active infection, cold can intensify symptoms or prolong their course. Exposure to low temperatures aggravates congestion, induces bronchospasm (closing of the bronchi), and irritates the respiratory tract; which complicates recovery, especially in patients with ongoing infectious processes,” the specialist clarifies.

What really causes more infections in winter

Beyond the cold of winter, the determining factor that causes respiratory infections to increase during this time is the time we spend in closed places. Dr. Ramos indicates that “this is probably the most important factor in the increase in respiratory infections during the winter.”

In interiors with insufficient heating and ventilation, many conditions that favor contagion. These include a greater concentration of people, accumulation of viral particles in the air and low environmental humidity, which allows viruses to remain suspended for longer. Therefore, the longer the stay in poorly ventilated closed spaces, the greater the risk of transmission.

To be able prevent different respiratory infections During the cold months the doctor recommends:

• Avoid abrupt thermal changes.
• Protect nose and mouth in intense cold.
• Maintain rigorous hand hygiene with frequent hand washing.
• Adequately ventilate closed spaces.
• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Ensure optimal hydration.