Does cold weather make you sick and can you get a cold from cold weath

This is one of the most persistent myths about catching colds, but the answer is nuanced.

The only way you get a cold is when you come into contact with the cold virus. Exposure to cold weather does not make people more prone to getting colds.

Some research suggests that rhinoviruses – the viruses that most commonly cause the common cold – may replicate more efficiently at temperatures below 37 degrees centigrade (average body temperature).1 The temperature inside the nasal cavity is 33 degrees centigrade may make it an ideal site for replication of rhinoviruses, but this research does not confirm that lower outside temperatures increase the risk of rhinovirus infection.

Other research has showed that decreases in temperature and humidity – albeit in sub-Artic temperatures of minus 9 degrees centigrade - increased risk of rhinovirus infection.2 In this study, infections occurred more commonly at temperatures of zero degrees centigrade and below. So if you live in a very cold environment this research is of relevance to you.

To tackle winter respiratory infections I recommend Puressentiel’s respiratory and purifying ranges, because the essential oils found in these respiratory products are clinically backed to provide antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity – great news for busting winter health issues.³ In fact, the vaporised essential oils and phytochemicals including eucalyptol, limonene, and terpinene — which feature in Puressentiel’s respiratory and purifying ranges - significantly reduce levels of airborne coronavirus and other pathogens.⁴