Can Being Cold Actually Cause A Cold?
Glamour is up in Vancouver this week (well, one of us is) to watch some of our favorite U.S. women snowboarders grab their medals (go Gretchen, Hannah, Kelly and Lindsey!). The weather is mild and rainy in the city of Vancouver--but it's a chilly 32 degrees, wet and snowy in Whistler, the mountain where we're watching one of the downhill men's events today. The prospect of being really wet and cold made me think of a question we've heard from a lot of readers in the past: Can simply being out in the cold actually give you one?
Related: 50 Little Health Tips Every Woman Should Know
The answer is no, not really. But, according to women's health expert Pamela Peeke, M.D., whom I've interviewed on this subject before, suddenly switching from hot to cold then back again could stress your immune system, making you eventually more likely to succumb to a virus that wiggles into your nose, mouth or eyes. (Yep, your eyes--viruses can get in via any mucus membrane-y area.) One more little note: If it's supercold and dry, my doctor--and my mom--recommend wrapping a scarf around your mouth and nose and breathing through the material. Otherwise the frigid, dry air can irritate your airways, making you feel congested. Stay warm!
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Photo: Ben Watts
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