Can the Cold Make You Sick? Winter Health Myths Revealed

As the chilly winds sweep through Fairhope and winter settles in along the Alabama coast, we at Urgent Care of Fairhope hear plenty of familiar warnings: “Don’t go outside with wet hair!” or “Button up, or you’ll catch your death of cold!”

But how much of this frosty folklore is actually true? Spoiler alert: not much. Let’s separate fact from fiction and keep you in the know (and out of the doctor’s office) this winter.

Myth #1: Cold Weather Directly Causes Colds

“Bundle up, or you’ll catch a cold!”

Fact: Plot twist – the cold weather itself doesn’t cause colds! Colds are caused by viruses, not temperatures (or your hairstyle choices.) However, there’s a reason we see more colds in winter: we spend more time indoors in close contact with others, creating perfect conditions for viruses to spread. Plus, cold air can dry out our nasal passages, making them more vulnerable to viral infections.

Myth #2: Going Outside with Wet Hair Will Make You Sick

“Don’t leave the house with wet hair – you’ll get pneumonia!”

Fact: Your grandmother might disagree, but heading out with damp locks won’t lead straight to sickness. While being cold and wet might be uncomfortable, you need exposure to germs to catch a cold. However, being cold can stress your immune system, so maybe pack that hair dryer just in case.

Myth #3: You Lose Most of Your Body Heat Through Your Head

“Always wear a hat – you lose 45% of body heat through your head!”

Fact: This myth probably started with a misinterpreted military study. In reality, you lose heat through any uncovered part of your body at roughly the same rate. Your head accounts for about 7-10% of your body’s surface area, so it loses about that percentage of body heat.

Myth #4: Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever

“Got the sniffles? Time to feast! Got a fever? Skip dinner!”

Fact: Your body needs energy to fight any illness. Whether you’re dealing with a cold or fever, proper nutrition and hydration are crucial for recovery. Instead of starving or stuffing yourself, focus on staying hydrated and eating nutritious foods when you feel hungry.

Myth #5: You Don’t Need Sunscreen in Winter

“The sun’s not hot, so I can’t get burned!”

Fact: UV rays don’t take winter vacations. They can penetrate clouds and reflect off surfaces like water – something our Fairhope beach-goers should note. Plus, some winter days can be surprisingly sunny. Keep that sunscreen in your routine!

Myth #6: The Flu Shot Can Give You the Flu

“Last time I got the shot, I got sick right after!”

Fact: This is scientifically impossible because flu vaccines contain either inactivated virus or no virus at all. What people sometimes experience is their immune system responding to the vaccine – which is exactly what it’s supposed to do!

At Urgent Care of Fairhope, we believe that understanding the facts helps you make better health decisions. While some winter wellness wisdom has stood the test of time, others need to be put on ice. Whether you’re dealing with winter sniffles or just have questions about staying healthy this season, our doors are open to help separate medical myths from modern medicine.

Need to chat about your winter health concerns? Stop by Urgent Care of Fairhope, where we’re always ready to help you navigate the facts and fiction of seasonal health.

Related Reading:

Top 5 Respiratory Illnesses to Watch for this Winter

8 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do at an Urgent Care