Glimpses of Life: Does Cold Weather Cause Colds?

I can still hear my mother’s voice ringing in my ears: “Put on your wool underwear, or you’ll catch a cold!” This was a mantra throughout my childhood, as regular as the changing of the seasons. Every fall and winter, I was bundled up in so many layers that I could barely move my arms. It was as if the cold itself were an invisible enemy, waiting to creep in through any tiny gap in my clothing. After all, I was born and raised in Narvik, a town far above the Arctic Circle in Norway, where winters are long and often cold.

Childhood Wisdom

As a well-behaved child, I accepted this advice without question. Why wouldn’t I? It seemed logical. Every time someone in class came in sniffling and coughing, there was usually a story about them playing outside without a hat or forgetting their mittens. I became an expert at tying my scarf extra tight and double-checking every button before daring to venture into the winter cold.

But then I started to notice something odd. My best friend, who always ran around with his jacket unzipped and frequently “forgot” his hat, didn’t seem to catch colds any more often than the rest of us. And what about my grandfather, who took his daily walks regardless of the weather, always wearing the same thin jacket? He was as healthy as a horse all year round.

Science Speaks

I found myself passing on the same message to my own children as they grew up. Of course, they caught colds, but looking back, I can’t recall whether it was really because of how they dressed. This got me thinking. Was there truly a link between cold weather and catching a cold? I started digging into the science, and what I found was fascinating. Cold weather, it turns out, doesn’t directly make us sick—it’s the virus that’s the culprit. But the story is a bit more complex.

Researchers have discovered that when we get cold, particularly when our noses get cold, the effectiveness of our local immune defenses decreases. The mucous membranes in the nose, our first line of defense against viruses and bacteria, become less effective in the cold. It’s as if the guards at the gate get a little sleepy when the temperature drops.

My Own Experiences

One experience in particular stands out from my university days. It was in the middle of exam season, and I decided to go for a “refreshing” jog in sub-zero temperatures, wearing only my workout clothes. “It’ll be fine,” I thought, “I’ll only be outside for a short while.” Two days later, I was bedridden with a fever, with a nasal spray as my closest companion.

But was it the cold that made me sick? No, it was probably a combination of factors: exam stress, lack of sleep, spending time indoors with others (perfect for virus transmission), and yes—an immune system that may have been a bit weakened by my chilly jog. But I hadn’t felt cold; in fact, I was warm when I got home.

New Insights

What I’ve learned over the years is that the truth lies somewhere between my mother’s old wisdom and pure science. Cold weather doesn’t directly make us sick, but it can create conditions that make it easier for viruses to take hold. It’s not just about staying warm but about taking care of the whole body.

These days, I still put on my wool base layer when the cold bites—not out of fear of catching a cold, but because I know that a comfortable body is a strong body. I’ve learned to listen to both old wisdom and new knowledge. For even if my mother didn’t know all the science behind her advice, she understood something essential: taking care of your body is the first step to good health.

Now, we spend half the year in Spain, where the sun shines almost daily. We northerners often smile at the way Spaniards dress. The sun is shining, and we’re in shorts and sandals, while they’re in long pants, jackets, and warm shoes. Even though it feels warm, we often end up colder in the shade, and it’s true—we tend to catch colds more often than the Spaniards do.

A New Approach

So what’s my conclusion after all these years of wondering? I believe we should keep dressing warmly—not because the cold itself makes us sick, but because a warm and comfortable body is better equipped to handle the challenges winter brings. It’s also important to remember that good sleep, healthy food, and regular handwashing are just as essential as the thickest wool underwear.

When the winter wind blows cold, I still hear my mother’s voice in the back of my mind. But now, I smile, knowing that her care, combined with modern knowledge, gives me the best chance to stay healthy through the winter season. Sometimes the best medicine is a mix of old and new, of warm clothes and scientific insight.

So yes, put on that wool underwear—not because cold weather alone will make you sick, but because a warm and happy body is your best defense against winter.

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