Does cold cause colds?

Probably since we were children, and more than once we have been told that if we are not warm enough in winter, we will catch the seasonal virus. However, Science has shown us that although the incidence of colds is higher during cold months, the relationship between colds and colds is more complex. .

The pediatrician at Coquimbo hospital, José Luis Zúñiga , says the cold alone doesn’t make anyone sick. “If you are at home in cold weather and no virus is present, there is no way to get sick “, it is said. He also adds: “I always say to parents: In the far south, the natives resisted the cold well with few furs and there was no flu . Decades ago, when children cried, they would put them in cold water. Although this method is obviously not recommended, it shows that even the most extreme cold is not a contagion factor.

People catch colds from respiratory viruses, which are transmitted mainly through respiratory and oral secretions, the doctor explains. “When a person sneezes, the microdroplets of saliva where these viruses are lodged are ejected at high speed and can reach several meters, remaining in the environment. Therefore, walking outside, even in cold weather, is much less risky than being indoors. and busy like public transport.

The doctor Luz Maria Grez one of the founders of Pediatra a tu casa, explains: “The cold affects the eyelashes of the nose which look like small hairs and act as a respiratory defense. With the cold, these cilia become immobile, facilitating the entry of viruses and bacteria. “.

“Added to this is the fact that it is common for us to be more locked up in the cold. And being in poorly ventilated places facilitates the circulation of viruses, replicate and become more contagious, leading to an increase in cases », adds Zúñiga.

• Walking barefoot causes a cold. Dr. Grez says the idea that colds come from walking barefoot is a myth. “Viruses cannot enter through the feet because the skin is closed. Indeed, among young children, we encourage them to walk barefoot because this promotes their sensory and psychomotor development. If the house is at a comfortable temperature, there is no problem.
• It is necessary to take more vitamin C during the cold months: “If you eat a balanced diet, eating seasonal fruits like oranges, tangerines and kiwis, you can reduce respiratory infections. Vitamin C helps, but it is better to consume it in food,” explains the pediatrician.

Although there is no absolute cure to end the common cold, yes, we can take steps to prevent them and let’s take care of ourselves so that if we get sick, it won’t be something serious.

Dr. Zúñiga offers some practical advice:

• “It is important to avoid contact with sick people. Additionally, wearing masks on public transportation or in meetings if you have respiratory symptoms can significantly reduce the risk of contagion.
• “The flu vaccine does not cause infection since it does not contain live viruses. It can cause discomfort, but not the flu. It is important to clarify this common doubt and call on people to get vaccinated.”

So, although the cold is not the direct cause of the common cold, the conditions that accompany it can facilitate the spread of the viruses responsible. Maintaining good hygiene habits and taking appropriate preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of catching a cold in winter.