Catching a cold from the rain

Image result for umbrella in rain

Source: Pinterest

Shreya Thiagarajan

Remember when mom warned you not to go out in the rain or you’d catch a cold? Most of us probably grabbed a raincoat before leaving, but did you ever wonder whether it was actually true? It’s difficult to sort out in regions (like most of the US) where the rainy season corresponds with cold and flu season.   

A cold is caused by a virus, which not influenced by rain. However, certain cold viruses (e.g. Rhinovirus) spread more easily in the winter because they function better at low temperatures. Cold weather correlates with colds but rain cannot cause you to catch a cold.

To limit your chance of catching a cold, wash your hands or sanitize them after touching things that others with a virus may have touched.  To limit spreading the cold, wear a mask, sterilize your hands, cough into your elbow, and–if possible–don’t go to work or try to work at home when you have a cold.

https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/qa/can-being-cold-or-wet-cause-you-to-get-sick

https://www.healthline.com/health/does-cold-weather-xmake-you-sick#culprits

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/23/well/can-being-cold-make-you-sick.html

https://biology.stackexchange.com/questions/64684/why-does-the-rain-increase-our-chances-of-catching-a-cold

https://www.livestrong.com/article/496499-can-running-in-the-rain-make-you-sick/