Can cold damp rainy weather exposed to your chest make you sick?
It is true that cold temperatures can reduce blood circulation, and cold, damp weather can create a favorable environment for viruses to survive. However, the human body is well-adapted to extreme weather conditions, and most people can withstand cold weather without experiencing cold symptoms.
People who are already sick with a cold or other viral illness may experience worse symptoms in cold weather, but this is due to the virus, not the weather itself.
A number of factors can make people more susceptible to catching a cold, including:
- A weakened immune system: People who are under a lot of stress, don't get enough sleep, or have certain medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS or diabetes are more likely to get sick.
- Close contact with someone who is sick: People who live or work with someone who is sick are more likely to catch a cold.
- Touching your face with unwashed hands: The cold virus can enter your body through your eyes, nose, or mouth. Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face can increase the risk of catching a cold.
- Being in a crowded environment: Crowded environments make it more likely to come into contact with someone who is sick.
- Not getting enough vitamins: A lack of vitamin C and vitamin D can weaken the immune system and make you more susceptible to getting sick.
- Not getting enough sleep: When you don't get enough sleep, your body is not as able to fight off infection.