Will going out in the cold give you a cold? Here is a reality check

Many viruses, including rhinovirus - the usual culprit in the common cold - and influenza, remain infectious longer and replicate faster in colder temperatures

Many of us have heard: “Don’t go outside without a coat; you’ll catch a cold.”

That’s not exactly true. As with many things, the reality is more complicated. Here’s the distinction: Being cold isn’t why you get a cold. But it is true that cold weather makes it easier to get the cold or flu. It is still too early to tell how weather impacts the COVID-19 virus, but scientists are starting to think it behaves differently than cold and flu viruses.

As an associate professor of nursing with a background in public health, I’m asked about this all