October 31, 2026, 4:36 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Leaving the house with wet hair? Going out in winter without thick socks? Or sitting directly in a draft at the office? Many people are convinced: Doing these things will make you sick. There are several persistent myths surrounding colds. It’s not that simple. You don’t catch a cold from cold weather alone. However, low temperatures can indirectly promote an infection. FITBOOK explains what’s behind the most well-known cold myths.
Myth 1: Wet Hair Makes You Sick
Going outside with wet hair on cold days doesn’t automatically lead to a cold. First, you need a pathogen, usually viruses. “You don’t catch a cold from cold alone, because for an infection, we need to be exposed to viruses,” explains general practitioner Dr. Hans-Michael Mühlenfeld when asked. However, cold can contribute to making a viral infection more likely. Wet hair is not entirely irrelevant. Especially in low outdoor temperatures, it can help the body cool down faster. If you’ve already been in contact with cold viruses, this could be unfavorable.
Myth 2: Cold Feet Lead to a Cold
Cold feet alone don’t make you sick. However, the body reacts when we feel cold. According to Mühlenfeld, it tries to regulate its temperature. While the body’s core, with its vital organs, is kept warm, the blood circulation in outer areas like skin and mucous membranes changes.
This can play a role in defending against pathogens. If you then come into contact with viruses, you might be more susceptible to an infection. Warm socks are certainly sensible, but they don’t automatically protect against a cold.
Myth 3: Drafts Make You Sick
This myth also has a kernel of truth but is often misunderstood. A draft doesn’t transmit a cold. Viruses are needed for that. However, cold air can irritate the respiratory tract and make it more susceptible to pathogens. If you get a runny nose or sore throat after spending a long time in a draft, it doesn’t necessarily mean the draft was the cause. The infection may have occurred earlier.
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Myth 4: We Catch Colds More Often in Winter Because of the Cold
Cold plays a role here, but not alone.
In fall and winter, people spend more time together in enclosed spaces. Cold viruses can spread more easily from person to person. At the same time, low temperatures and dry air can impair the protective function of the mucous membranes in the nose and airways.
According to Mühlenfeld, it’s also crucial how many viruses the body is exposed to and how well its defenses work: “Those with a weak immune system are naturally more susceptible to colds.” Especially in children, it can lead to chains of infections, where one follows another.
Myth 5: Those with a Good Immune System Don’t Catch Colds
A well-functioning immune system doesn’t provide complete protection against cold viruses. However, it can help the body fend off pathogens.
To support the body’s defenses, Mühlenfeld recommends regular walks in fresh air, a diet rich in vitamins, and sufficient sleep. Cigarettes should be avoided as much as possible. It may also be wise to discuss the flu vaccine with your doctor.
Important: The flu vaccine targets influenza and does not prevent a common cold.