Can you catch a cold from being in the cold?

(7) On February 29, 2012 at 7:44 pm D4est [1251] said:

Hypothermia is a medical condition based on core body temperature, which, unless a person is immersed in cold water or exposed to extreme cold temperatures for an extended time period, does not happen.

Some studies have suggested that when the body is stressed with clinically-evidenced and scientifically-measured hypothermia, there can be a temporary lowered immune system function. Being wet and in the cold is not hypothermia.

Our bodies have a remarkable and most effective system for maintaining proper core body temperatures. It does not vary to cooler temperatures without very extreme conditions. It is feasible, but improbable, that a person who has true hypothermia, that has affected their immune system function, might be more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections until the body heals and things return to normal. Again, hypothermia is very different from being cold or being out in the cold without a jacket or when cold and wet from the rain or splashes. Unless the person suffers hypothermia or effects of exposure requiring hospitalization, there is no connection between temperature and viral infections like a cold.

(6) On February 29, 2012 at 7:35 pm D4est [1251] said:

The following opinion based on anecdotal information was added to the body of the answer, moved here for discussion.

"Colds are actually virus'. If someone were to be out in the elements for a long period of time (hypothermia) then yes, they could get a terrible cold that could turn into pneumonia. Heat rises from the top of ones head so if it's cold out and a person wears a hat of some sort their entire body will remain quite warm. Cold feet will also make a person feel very cold. If it were raining out and a child get soaked wet playing in puddles and then came home they will not get a cold! If they remained outside in a low temperature after getting wet they would most certainly get a type of cold and possibly pneumonia. "

(5) On February 29, 2012 at 7:29 pm D4est [1251] said:

EIMZ444 Added the following anecdotal comment to the body of the answer, moved here for discussion:

"Refute:

Actually, if I got out for a walk without being dressed properly and get chilled, I ALWAYS come down with a cold. I know it. I feel it when it happens, and no one on earth can convince me that it is a myth to catch a cold by being chilled."

(4) On November 30, 2011 at 6:10 pm D4est [1251] said:

Note: D4est merged "Can you catch a cold from being cold?"0"Can you catch a cold from being in the cold?".

See the Discussion for "Can you catch a cold from being cold?"

(3) On March 3, 2011 at 11:29 pm D4est [1251] said:

Note: D4est merged "Can you catch a cold from being cold?"0"Can you catch a cold from being in the cold?".

See the Discussion for "Can you catch a cold from being cold?"

(2) On January 10, 2011 at 1:48 pm Leah2602 [0] said:

You can get a chill from being in the cold, but you can't actually get a virus. You can watch Mythbusters for more info.

Leah xx

(1) On January 9, 2011 at 7:22 pm D4est [1251] said:

Note: D4est merged "Can you catch a cold from being cold?"0"Can you catch a cold from being in the cold?".

See the Discussion for "Can you catch a cold from being cold?"

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