As temperatures begin to drop, many of us remember hearing the same warning growing up: “Put on a jacket or you’ll catch a cold!” But is there actually any truth to this familiar advice? Can spending time outside in chilly weather make you sick, or is it simply a myth?
We asked Dr. Nathan Kiskila of Marque Urgent Care to help explain the connection between cold weather, our immune systems, and why respiratory illnesses become more common during the fall and winter months.
Question: Can you actually get sick from being outside in cold weather?
Dr. Kiskila: Not directly. Cold weather itself does not cause the common cold, influenza, or other respiratory infections. These illnesses are caused by viruses, not the temperature outside. You could spend an entire afternoon outdoors without a jacket and never get sick unless you were exposed to a virus. However, colder temperatures can create conditions that make it easier for certain viruses to spread.
Question: Why do so many people get sick during the fall and winter months?
Dr. Kiskila: There are a few reasons. When temperatures drop, people tend to spend more time indoors, often in close contact with others. Think about classrooms, offices, holiday gatherings, and crowded indoor spaces. These environments can make it easier for respiratory viruses to spread from person to person. Cold, dry air may also affect how well our respiratory system protects us from infections, making us more susceptible to certain illnesses.
Question: Does cold weather actually weaken your immune system?
Dr. Kiskila: Research suggests that exposure to cold air may temporarily reduce some of the natural defenses in our nose and upper respiratory tract. Our nasal passages play an important role in trapping and removing viruses before they can cause an infection. When the air is cold and dry, these protective mechanisms may become less effective. However, this doesn’t mean that simply being cold automatically weakens your entire immune system or guarantees you’ll become sick.
Question: What about going outside with wet hair? Can that make you sick?
Dr. Kiskila: This is probably one of the most common myths we hear! Going outside with wet hair, walking barefoot on a cold floor, or forgetting your jacket will not directly cause a cold or the flu. You still need to be exposed to a virus to develop an infection. That said, being wet in cold temperatures can make you uncomfortable and increase your risk of becoming dangerously chilled if you’re exposed for too long. So while your parents were right about dressing appropriately, wet hair isn’t responsible for causing respiratory infections.
Question: What are the best ways to avoid getting sick during cold and flu season?
Dr. Kiskila: Prevention really comes down to a few important habits. Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, and try to limit close contact with people who are sick. Getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and staying physically active also support your overall health. I also encourage patients to stay current on recommended vaccinations, including the annual flu vaccine. Good indoor ventilation and staying home when you’re sick can make a meaningful difference in preventing the spread of respiratory illnesses.
Question: When should someone visit urgent care for cold or flu symptoms?
Dr. Kiskila: Most common colds improve on their own with rest, fluids, and supportive care. However, if you’re experiencing a persistent or high fever, worsening cough, significant sinus pain, dehydration, or symptoms that aren’t improving as expected, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention. Certain patients, including young children, older adults, and those with underlying medical conditions, may need evaluation sooner. If you develop severe difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, or other serious symptoms, you should seek emergency medical care.
At Marque Urgent Care, our providers are here to help you navigate cold and flu season with confidence. Whether you’re experiencing a lingering cough, sore throat, fever, or other respiratory symptoms, our team can evaluate your condition, recommend appropriate testing, and help determine the best course of treatment.
With convenient urgent care locations throughout Orange County and San Diego, as well as virtual urgent care services for eligible conditions, Marque is here for life’s everyday urgencies.
So, the next time someone reminds you to grab a jacket before heading outside, go ahead and bundle up. Just remember that staying healthy during cold and flu season has much more to do with preventing exposure to germs than the temperature on the thermometer.
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