Fact vs. Fiction: Can You Catch a Cold from Being Cold?

By Dr. Varshini KR, MBBS

Can you catch a cold just from being cold? It’s a common belief, especially in winter—but is it fact or fiction? Let’s uncover the truth behind this long-standing myth and explore what causes the common cold.

Where Did the Idea Come From?

The idea that cold air causes colds likely stems from timing. The common cold is more prevalent during the winter months, so it's easy to associate low temperatures with illness. Add in shivering, a runny nose, and general discomfort from the chill, and it’s no wonder the myth stuck around.

What Causes a Cold?

The truth is, that colds are caused by viruses—primarily rhinoviruses—not by temperature. These viruses spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or touches shared surfaces. Once the virus enters your system—typically through your nose, mouth, or eyes—it begins to multiply and trigger symptoms (CDC 2022).

Cold Weather’s Role: Indirect, but Real

While cold air doesn't directly cause illness, winter weather can create conditions that make catching a cold more likely. In colder months, people tend to spend more time indoors, often in close contact with others and with poor ventilation—perfect conditions for virus transmission.

Additionally, cold temperatures may weaken the body’s first line of defense. A 2015 Yale study found that cooler temperatures in the nasal passages can suppress the immune response, making it easier for viruses like rhinovirus to replicate (Foxman et al. 2015).

Myth or Reality? A Bit of Both

So, can you catch a cold from being cold? Not directly. Exposure to low temperatures doesn’t infect you—but it can increase your chances of catching a virus if you're already exposed. In that sense, the myth has a grain of truth, but it's not the full picture.

Staying Healthy in Cold Weather

• Wash your hands frequently.

• Avoid close contact with people who are ill.

• Keep your living space well-ventilated.

• Dress warmly to support your immune system and stay comfortable.

Conclusion

Cold weather itself won’t give you a cold—but it can set the stage for one. Understanding how viruses spread and how your body reacts in winter is the key to separating fact from fiction. So yes, bundle up for comfort—but don’t count on it to fend off viruses.

References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 2022. “Common Colds: Protect Yourself and Others.” CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/features/rhinoviruses/index.html

2. Foxman, Ellen F., et al. 2015. “Temperature-dependent innate defense against the common cold virus limits viral replication at warm temperature in mouse airway cells.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 112 (3): 827–832. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1411030112

_{Note: This content is purely informational and isn’t medical guidance. It shouldn’t replace professional medical counsel. Always consult your physician regarding treatment risks and benefits.}

_MSM/DP