“Don’t go outside with wet hair—you’ll get sick!” is probably something you’ve heard from your mother or some other older relative with the aim of protecting your health, but how much truth is there to this statement and the others so frequently repeated to us that we have accepted them as truth?
Well, let’s have a look at the science and see what really makes you sneeze.
The wet hair warning: is it just a myth?
If you had a rand for every time you’ve been warned not to go outside with wet hair for fear of illness, you’d probably rival the wealth of Patrice Motsepe. While being cold and wet isn’t a pleasant feeling, it won’t directly make you ill. Sorry Mom, cold fronts don’t cause colds; viruses do.
Although some studies suggest that prolonged exposure to cold temperatures might slightly weaken your immune response, making it easier for viruses to take hold, this is only true for those who already had the virus in their system.
So, while wet hair won’t give you a cold, staying warm and dry is still a good idea for overall comfort and health.
Colds and flu are more common in winter. Coincidence?
Yes, colds and flu are more common in the colder months, leading many to assume that winter itself is to blame. But here’s the truth: cold weather doesn’t directly cause colds. Colds are caused by viruses, most commonly rhinoviruses, which are spread from person to person through droplets in the air or on surfaces.
So, why do colds spike in winter? It’s not the temperature itself but it does seem to be due to a combination of circumstances related to the weather. Firstly, it’s the way we behave when it’s cold. We spend more time indoors, in close quarters with others, which makes it easier for viruses to spread.
Plus, research suggests that your nose’s immune response is adversely affected by a drop in temperature – even just by 5°C. Your nose is the first point of contact between the world around you and the inside of your body, so when its defences are lowered, it makes it easier to get sick. Add all of this together and you’ve got a perfect storm for sniffles.
The real culprits? Germs and close quarters
So, now we know that it’s not the winter chill and biting cold that turns us into germ-ridden zombies throughout the year. The true villain is germs and how they spread. As we’ve learned, we’re more susceptible to illness from the germs to which we’ve been exposed.
When it’s cold, we tend to huddle indoors where viruses linger on surfaces and in the air. Then, add in children being exposed at school, gatherings with friends, and public transport, and you’ve got a recipe for viral transmission.
How to protect from germs
Getting sick isn’t fun, especially when you’ve got a million things to do, but there are ways to help prevent the spread of germs. Here are some proven ways to protect yourself and others, according to the World Health Organisation:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Remember washing properly takes as long as singing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice.
- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, phones, and keyboards.
- Get the flu vaccine.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Stay home if you feel unwell.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Properly dispose of used tissues.
- Open windows to encourage air flow.
Keep that immune system strong
Your immune system is your body’s first line of defence against viruses and keeping it strong is key to staying healthy. While we’ve established that cold weather alone won’t make you sick, factors like stress, poor sleep and a lack of nutrients can weaken your immune response.
Here’s how to keep your immune system in tip-top shape:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Stay active - regular exercise can boost your immune function.
- Get enough sleep - aim for 7-9 hours per night.
- Stay hydrated.
By practicing good hygiene, supporting your immune system and staying informed, you can reduce your risk of getting sick - no matter how cold it gets.
Love being right? Or just sick of being told that you need to wear seven layers of clothing to stay healthy in winter? Next time someone tries to tell you that being cold means you’ll catch a cold; you can explain that science says different.
Although that doesn’t mean you can’t use the cold weather as an excuse to cozy up under a warm blanket and live your best hermit life with a cup of tea. Just remember to stay healthy!
This post was produced by Brand Story.
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