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Man in navy blue winter coat and hat blows on his hands during a cold, snowy day.

Does Cold Weather Make You Sick? Separating Fact from Fiction

Cold and flu season reaches its peak during the winter months when the temperatures plummet and viruses spread more quickly. But can you catch a common cold from… the cold weather itself?

We are going to take a deep dive into fact and fiction when it comes to cold weather and immunity. We’ll discuss why viruses spread faster in colder temperatures, whether the cold contributes to certain symptomatic issues, and if you need some fresh air during the cold weather months when you’re feeling sick.

Does Being Cold Make You Sick?

Cold weather and frigid temperatures themselves do not manifest common colds or the flu. But physically being cold, physiologically, might contribute to a weakened immune system, therefore making your body more susceptible to viruses and airborne illnesses.

A 2017 study found that immune cells that become chilled are slightly less likely to fight off viruses or infections. In all, however, there is a lack of concrete evidence needed to establish that being cold results in a weakened immune system. Getting sick decidedly does not come from cold weather alone; a viral component must be involved to contract a common cold or influenza.

Instead, the answer may lie in other atmospheric conditions we experience during winter months.

Why are Colds & Flu More Common in Winter?

The common cold and influenza (flu) viruses are likely more common in the winter because the air—both outside and in indoor environments—is dryer. And since we spend a lot of time inside during the winter, the viruses causing the common cold and flu spread more easily from person to person.

Can Cold Weather Cause a Sore Throat?

Again, the cold weather itself does not cause a sore throat. But since the humidity decreases in the winter, the air becomes dryer, and thus you may experience a sore throat if you’re breathing in a lot of the colder, dehumidified air.

That said, you are just as likely to experience a sore throat from the dry heat you’re blasting inside your home. Plus, certain allergens inside your home —like dust or pet dander—may also play a role in throat irritation.

Is Fresh Air Good for a Cough & Cold?

Getting outside for some fresh air or allowing outside air into indoor environments can prove beneficial in preventing the spread of illness and relieving your cold symptoms.

While we’ve talked about how decreased temperatures inside your nose may weaken your immune responses, it’s important to remember that viral particles spread “more readily” indoors than outdoors. Moreover, improving ventilation and filtration for your indoor air systems can help prevent the accumulation of virus particles in those spaces.

So, yes, fresh air is important. Just be sure to bundle up if you’re going outside in chilly temperatures. If you’re inside, consider slightly cracking a window and changing air filtration filters to help ensure better airflow.

Understanding Colds vs. Flu vs. COVID-19

We talked about the prevalence of the common cold and the flu during the winter. However, COVID-19 rates tend to exhibit seasonality and climb during the winter months, as well. So, if the common cold, influenza, and COVID-19 all see rates rise at the same time, it’s important to know how to differentiate between the symptoms:

Symptom Common Cold Influenza (Flu) COVID-19
Fever Rare Often, typically between 100-102° F; can last 3-4 days Common
Headache Uncommon Common Common
Stuffy, Runny Nose Common Sometimes Common
Sneezing Often Sometimes Rarely
Sore Throat Common Sometimes Common
Cough Common, often a wet cough Common, often a dry cough Common, often a dry cough
Fatigue Sometimes Often, can last weeks Common

Reach out to your doctor if you’re experiencing one or multiple symptoms and aren’t sure what illness you’ve contracted.

Woman in a winter coat and face covering bundled up in cold weather.

Tips for Navigating Cold Weather

Washing your hands and minimizing close contact with people who are sick are things you can do to help prevent the spread of colds. But you should take additional steps during the winter months to help reduce your risk of catching a cold or becoming ill:

Bundle Up

We discussed the importance of getting out for fresh air even in colder temperatures. When you do so, though, you should make sure you’re wearing enough layers to feel comfortable. That may include wearing a hat and gloves. You might also consider wearing a scarf or some sort of facial covering to protect your nose. Additionally, it may make more sense to wear more, lighter weight layers as opposed to a single, heavy layer.

Check Central Air Systems

Make sure your central air systems are clean and well-ventilated. If you need to routinely change out filters, do so accordingly. Moreover, if you have other heating mechanisms in your home, like a fireplace, you should inspect and clean them before use. As a general note, you also want to do everything you can to make your home well-insulated.


Be Proactive

In the event you start to feel cold symptoms, it’s crucial to take action and do everything you can to address those cold symptoms as fast as possible. Plus, you can turn to Zicam® Cold Remedy products to help shorten the duration of your cold at the first sign*:

  • Zicam® Cold Remedy RapidMelts® ingredients include zinc and helps reduce the duration of the common cold*. These quick-dissolve tablets melt in your mouth and come in Citrus, Cherry, or Lemon-Lime flavors, as well as an Elderberry (sambucus nigra) Citrus formula that also helps relieve cold symptoms‡. ULTRA RapidMelts® are available in Orange Cream and Cherry flavors, both of which are free of sugars and dyes.
  • Zicam® Cold Remedy Medicated Fruit Drops come in Orange and Manuka Honey flavor and include zinc which helps reduce the duration of the common cold*, plus there is an Elderberry (sambucus nigra) flavor that also helps relieve cold symptoms‡.
  • Zicam® Cold Remedy Lozenges are formulated with zinc and reduce the duration of the common cold*. These great-tasting Wild Cherry flavor lozenges also help soothe sore throats and coughs‡.
  • Zicam® Cold Remedy Cold Remedy Nasal Spray is the only nasal spray that helps shorten colds‡. This zinc-free, homeopathic, no-drip nasal spray reduces the duration of the common cold*, helps relieve nasal congestion, and contains cooling menthol and eucalyptus.
  • Zicam® Cold Remedy Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs are the only cold-shortening nasal swabs, and they do not include zinc. These homeopathic nasal swabs with eucalyptus and cooling menthol deliver a gel formula to help relieve nasal congestion and shorten the duration of the common cold*.
  • Zicam® Cold & Flu-Like Symptoms are cooling, peppermint-flavored tablets that help to temporarily relieve six cold and flu-like symptoms, including sore throat and chest congestion‡.

No matter how you choose to brace yourself for chilly temperatures, take all the precautions you can to help stay healthy when the weather turns cold!

Can Sleeping in a Cold Room Make You Congested?

Sleeping in a cold room can make you congested if the air is dry, or the room has frequent exposure to allergens. However, it may be more beneficial to sleep in a cool or chilly room.

According to experts, our brain wants a cooler temperature when we sleep. And since getting enough sleep is critical to maintaining a strong immune system, you want to do ensure you’re providing yourself with the right environment to maximize sleep.

Comfort level in terms of your sleeping environment is subjective. What’s important is monitoring things like air quality and allergens that may impact sleep.

Can the Change of Weather Make You Sick?

A sudden and drastic change in weather alone cannot make you sick but can provide a challenge to the immune system. Your body may have acclimated to a certain climate and may struggle to adapt upon exposure to a new climate.

This can be true whether the temperature increases or decreases. For example, wearing too many layers, or too few, can impact the immune response and may lead to upper respiratory infections.

Additionally, central air systems in your home have a hard time keeping pace with alternating temperatures. Constantly shifting between heating and cooling can dehumidify air and possibly leave you more exposed to allergens. It’s important to keep tabs on your filters and make sure you’re changing them out when necessary.

Lastly, when the weather improves, we are often tempted to spend more time outside or gather in large groups. But spending more time in close contact with others can help spread viruses if one person in the group feels sick. Plus, certain allergens—like pollen—may become more pertinent when the temperature rises. On that note, it’s important to understand when the symptoms you may feel are a result of allergies vs. the common cold.

Combat Cold Weather and Keep Healthy!

Now that you’re able to separate the facts from some of the common myths around cold weather and illness, it’s time to put that knowledge into action. Bundle up and get some fresh air when you can, winterize your home, and—if you’re starting to feel under the weather—do what you can to shorten your cold* by choosing Zicam® Cold Remedy products!

The content provided on this page is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.