Harsh winter elements have a negative effect on the body. However, is it true that you will catch a cold if you don't wear proper clothes outside?
Dr. Jesse Bracamonte, a family physician at Mayo Clinic, explains why colds and other viruses are more common in the winter.
When your parents say, “Put your coat on before you go outside, or you'll catch a cold,” there's a grain of truth in this.
“When it's a little cold outside, your body's immune system can drop just a little bit because it has to work extra hard to stay warm. In some cases, this isn't true for everyone, but it can cause a cold. ,” says Dr. Bracamonte.
But cold weather itself doesn't cause colds, he says. But as winter temperatures drop, we spend more time indoors with others, increasing the potential for respiratory viruses to spread.
“When it's cold outside, people usually gather around the fireplace or around the house. So if someone is sick, you're more likely to be around that person and catch a cold,” Dr. Bracamonte says. says. .
It's important to remember that if you get a cold or a common virus that causes colds, antibiotics usually won't help because in most cases it's a virus, not a bacterial infection. he says. Staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and eating a healthy diet are all important.
“For the most part, for most healthy people, we call it supportive management. Time, rest, chicken soup, and just distancing from others is usually the best medicine.” he says.
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