As a cold snap descends on france, a long-held belief about the link between cold temperatures and illness is being challenged by medical professionals. Recent reports indicate that despite a surge in warnings to dress warmly, notably among teenagers, contracting a cold or other respiratory illness isn’t a direct result of exposure to the cold itself. A viral video from France 5’s “Le Magazine de la Santé” is fueling the conversation, prompting a closer look at the actual causes of winter sickness and prompting public health officials to reassess preventative messaging.
A cold snap is gripping France, but many teenagers are venturing out without adequate winter clothing. Could this lead to illness? The long-held belief that getting cold causes sickness is now being re-examined by medical professionals.
“Put on your coat, or you’ll catch a cold.” This warning, passed down through generations, is a familiar refrain during the winter months. Many parents hesitate to let their children go outside without sufficient layers, even if the child doesn’t feel cold.
However, the reality is more nuanced. “A child who doesn’t dress warmly won’t get sick. We’ve been repeating something our parents told us, but a child going out in shorts and a t-shirt, even when it’s cold, isn’t at risk of becoming ill,” explained Dr. Jimmy Mohamed, host of the popular French health program “Le Magazine de la Santé” on France 5, in a recent interview. The video has garnered over a million views in recent days.
The comments sparked surprise among some online viewers, but the core message is accurate: cold temperatures alone don’t cause illness. “You can go out lightly dressed or with wet hair, even in sub-zero temperatures, and you won’t get sick,” Dr. Chevallier, a general practitioner in Paris, told CNews. This understanding is important for public health messaging, as it shifts the focus from temperature to the actual causes of illness.
Viruses and Bacteria are the Culprits
Illness arises from exposure to viruses or microbes that infect the mouth or nose. These pathogens tend to circulate more readily during the winter months, and they often thrive in colder conditions, increasing the risk of infection.
Another contributing factor is that people spend more time indoors during winter, with less ventilation and reduced outdoor activity. This close proximity facilitates the transmission of pathogens between individuals.
Hygiene and Protective Measures
To minimize the risk of infection, it’s crucial to continue practicing good hygiene and following preventative measures: washing hands before eating and after using the restroom, sneezing into your elbow, wearing a mask, and staying home when sick.
While those who are always bundled up in winter may be less susceptible, going out in minimal clothing isn’t advisable. Cold exposure can slightly weaken the immune system, increase the risk of hypothermia—particularly in young children—and cause the body to expend more energy to maintain its core temperature.
Caution for Those with Heart Conditions
Cold weather can pose a danger to individuals with pre-existing heart conditions. When temperatures drop, blood vessels constrict, blood thickens slightly, and blood pressure rises, placing additional strain on the heart. A 2019 study published in the British Medical Journal demonstrated that a 1°C decrease in outdoor temperature increased the risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack) by 2% in the following four weeks. Early symptoms include a feeling of tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, chest pain during exertion, palpitations, or dizziness.
