As temperatures drop and winter sets in, many of us blame the chilly weather for our sniffles and coughs. But according to an NHS GP, we've been getting it wrong all along.
The Real Culprit Behind Winter Illness
Dr. Sooj, an NHS GP known for debunking health myths on TikTok, has set the record straight about what actually causes us to catch colds during the colder months. Contrary to popular belief, it's not the cold air itself that makes us sick.
'Being cold doesn't give you a cold,' Dr. Sooj emphatically states. 'The only way to catch a cold is to come into contact with the cold virus.'
Why We Get Sicker in Winter
So why does illness seem to spike when the mercury drops? Dr. Sooj explains several key factors:
- More time indoors: Colder weather means we spend more time in enclosed spaces with other people
- Close proximity: Being indoors increases our exposure to viruses from others
- Virus survival: Some viruses actually survive better in colder, less humid conditions
Practical Protection Tips
Instead of just bundling up, Dr. Sooj recommends these evidence-based strategies to stay healthy:
- Regular hand washing: This remains the most effective way to prevent virus transmission
- Surface cleaning: Disinfect frequently touched surfaces like door handles and phones
- Good ventilation: Open windows periodically to refresh indoor air
- Stay home when sick: Prevent spreading illness to others
While wrapping up warm in winter is still important for comfort and preventing conditions like hypothermia, understanding the real reasons we get sick can help us take more effective preventive measures.
So next time someone warns you about 'catching your death of cold,' you can confidently explain the science behind what really makes us ill during winter.
