Biologist explains why cold doesn’t cause colds: ‘It gets cooler, it doesn’t cause colds’

“Dress warmly or you’ll catch a cold” is a phrase we hear hundreds of times throughout the winter, but no matter how many times we repeat it, it’s simply not true. Molecular biologist Diego Arroyo dismissed this popular notion via X (formerly Twitter). “When the weather gets cold, it won’t get cold anymore.”the biologist bluntly clarified at the beginning of his explanation.

First, Arroyo explained that while the common cold and flu Share symptoms Things like congestion, chills, mucus, sneezing, coughing, shortness of breath, headache or muscle pain are all different. “Colds, flu and other respiratory illnesses are caused by infections. The common cold is caused by rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, parainfluenza viruses, etc.,” he said, elaborating that “there are more than 200 different viruses that can cause the common cold . The flu is caused by influenza A or B viruses. The flu is not a cold. It is a systemic infection (affecting the entire body) that is usually severe and can cause muscle aches, headaches, high fever, and more.”

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The cold air is cool, not cold. However, many people believe that cold air can cause colds. The “logical” response is not to ventilate the room to avoid catching a cold. Exactly the opposite of what needs to be done.
I will try to explain this contradiction.
👇

— Diego Arroyo (@jdiegoarroyo) January 6, 2024

Will the cold affect the cold?Arroyo’s response was emphatic: “If there’s no infection, then no.” However, he acknowledged that “some studies suggest indirect effects of cold”, because “the main effect of cold is We share enclosed and poorly ventilated spaces, so that aerosols carrying infectious pathogens can easily spread from one person to another. This adds to the fact that people stay in closer contact. “

The biologist also noted that it’s important to remember that “cold hinders the function of the immune system” because “when immune cells cool down, they become less efficient.” “The main mucosal antibody is IgA, which responds to cold temperatures are less efficient at carrying out their functions. In cold conditions, some viruses, such as influenza, can spread better via aerosols because they are more stable at low temperatures, which are typical conditions of winter weather,” he details .

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Finally, he concluded: “There is no causal relationship between catching a cold and catching a cold.. There is a coincidence between these two “symptoms”, a coincidence in the timing of their occurrence, and perhaps some immune predisposition related to the coldness of the nasal passages.

It is important to practice good hygiene when coughing and sneezing to protect others from the virus. “When it happens you have to Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf The Spanish Association of General Practitioners and Family Doctors says to “throw it in the trash or use the upper part of the sleeve to completely cover your mouth and nose” as this will avoid the spread of microorganisms. Therefore, it is transmitted to other people.

The Doctors Association also remembers that when we are infected, it is important avoid physical contact Come into contact with other people, so it’s best to avoid hugging, kissing or shaking hands.