Giving the Cold a Cold Shoulder

Perhaps it’s the fact sniffly noses and raspy coughs are the symptoms of a “cold” that so many people have floundered into the myth that cold weather makes you sick.

I smirk (much the way I parent does when their child informs the guest of honor he can use the bathroom all by himself) when I hear someone blame their poor health on the cold. Of course I learned a long time ago not to challenge majority misconceptions; unless of course you want to be called a “quack,” or have people drop a condescending eye. So I don’t normally say anything . . . until now.

Honestly, folks, what makes you sick? Bacteria, viruses, germs, “bugs,” mutated cells: Things that exist in a tangible state and attack the healthy cells of your body. The cold (referring to temperature) doesn’t contain any more germs than warm weather. In fact, it may be argued that it has fewer germs due to the inhospitable temperature.

So, how did this misconception arise? It’s true that cold weather might make you more susceptible to the germs that make you sick. The average immune system has to work a little harder in cold weather. Weak immune systems can be seriously hindered in freezing temperatures, but it doesn’t “make” you sick.

In the end, if you take a trip to the frozen tundra of Canada this holiday season and go on a nature hike (where you’re sure no nasty viruses are hanging around) completely naked, don’t come crying back to me when you die. Hypothermia isn’t sickness, it’s dying. But at least you will have died a healthy individual.

So bundle up this winter, but don’t blame Jack Frost for your runny nose . . . that’s your immune system’s fault.