The belief that the cold can cause diseases is rooted in popular tradition, but science today denies this myth. At a time when temperatures drop below freezing and snow covers the streets, many worry that children could get sick simply by going outdoors. But the reality, as experts and studies confirm, is very different.
Cold is not the cause of colds
Sore throats, runny noses, colds and respiratory illnesses are caused by viruses, not the cold. Although many people believe that cold temperatures can weaken the immune system, scientific evidence does not support this theory. Various research, such as that conducted by Harvard Medical School, has highlighted that colds and flu are mainly carried by viruses such as rhinovirus, which spreads easily in closed, crowded and poorly ventilated environments.
The fact that viruses are more active during the cold season depends on a much simpler cause: in winter we spend more time indoors, sharing spaces with other people. This favors the airborne transmission of pathogens, which are transmitted mainly through saliva droplets or through contact with contaminated surfaces. An article published by Harvard Medical School clarified that, although cold can influence our immune response, it is not the direct cause of colds
Our body’s defense against viruses
The human immune system is continually busy fighting the invasion of viruses and bacteria. When a virus enters the body, it begins to replicate and invade cells. Common symptoms such as cough or sore throat are the result of this “battle” between the virus and our body’s immune defenses. Although the cold may seem like a trigger, the real cause of the infection is the presence of a virus.
According to a study by Yale University, the cold could, at most, temporarily weaken some immune responses, but it would not be directly responsible for colds.
The effects of cold on the immune system have been extensively studied: the lower temperature in the respiratory tract reduces the effectiveness of the immune system in responding to the cold virus, but this does not imply that cold alone can cause illness.
The closed environment: the real enemy
While cold weather doesn’t cause colds, spending too much time indoors, where viruses spread more easily, is a risk factor. During the winter, with the use of heating, the air in our homes becomes dry, which weakens the nasal mucous membranes, making the body more vulnerable to pathogens. The dry nasal mucosa is not able to effectively perform its barrier function against viruses, favoring their entry into the body.
On the contrary, keeping children outdoors during the colder months, as long as they are adequately dressed, not only would not make them sick, but would help them develop a stronger immune system. The key, in fact, is not to fear the cold, but to pay attention to the environments in which you spend the most time. Heating in the house, unfortunately, reduces the humidity of the air, and this factor contributes to the dryness of the nasal mucous membranes, which are essential for stopping viruses.
Extreme cold: risks and precautions
Of course, in extreme situations, the cold could be dangerous. Prolonged exposure to too low temperatures without adequate protection could lead to frostbite of the extremities and, in the most serious cases, hypothermia. The body temperature would drop below 35°C, causing frostbite, a medical condition that requires immediate intervention.
However, in most cases, the winter temperatures in our cities do not reach levels that cause significant physical damage, if the precaution of wearing adequate clothing and protecting the most vulnerable parts of the body is taken.
The example of the Nordic countries
In many Northern European countries, it would be common to see newborns sleeping outdoors even in sub-zero temperatures. These countries, notoriously accustomed to harsh winters, do not fear the cold, on the contrary, they consider it beneficial for the health of the little ones. Fresh air, in fact, would stimulate the immune system and promote restful sleep. The Nordic model offers us a clear example of how the cold, if addressed in the right way, can be part of a healthy lifestyle.
The lesson is clear: you should not fear moderate cold, but it is important to protect yourself when conditions become extreme.
In summary, it is not the cold that makes us ill. Respiratory diseases are caused by viruses and bacteria, and the cold could at most have an indirect effect, reducing the effectiveness of the immune defenses. Spending time outdoors, even in winter, would be a great way to stay healthy, as long as you wear the right clothes and avoid closed, crowded environments.
As experts suggest, if you find yourself in intense cold conditions, the precaution is always to cover yourself well, but don’t be afraid to take a walk in the open air. And remember, even the coldest countries in the world do not give up contact with nature, because they know that it is good for the body and mind.
