17 November 2023 , 08:00
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As the temperatures rapidly start to fall, many parents warn their children against going outside with wet hair amid fears they will 'catch a cold'.
But Dr Hilary Jones has debunked this theory, claiming that it’s impossible to get a cold simply by leaving the house with soggy locks. Speaking to the Mirror, he said: "You have to have a virus to be exposed to a cold. And temperature is irrelevant because you could be as cold as anything, but if there’s no virus then you’re not going to catch a cold."
However, the doctor revealed that in certain cases the frosty conditions can lead to an illness. He added: "If you are cold and there’s a virus about, you’re more likely to catch it if your nose is cold. This is because the lining of the throat and nose is the first line of defence.
"There are immune cells in the mucous membranes in your throat and nose which work best at body temperature. So, if it’s freezing cold and you’re exposed to a virus and your nose and throat are cold, you’re more likely to catch it."
Dr Hilary noted research from the Common Cold Research Centre in Cardiff, and said: "If you wear a scarf around your nose and mouth, when it’s very cold, you’re giving yourself a level of protection that you might not have otherwise had." Former director of the centre, Professor Ron Eccles, stated that viruses multiply in the cells that line the nose, and they breed faster when the cells are cool.
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The expert has warned Brits that colds will be more prevalent this winter "because with all the hand sanitising, social distancing and mask wearing that we did during the first two years of Covid-19, our immunity would have waned a little bit". He added: "It's also winter so people are flocking together indoors and there are going to be more viruses circulating."
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), adults experience an average of two to three colds per year, while children usually have between five and eight. Adults who are in contact with children tend to get more colds than those who are not. The NHS has listed the most common cold symptoms, these include:
- Blocked or runny nose
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Coughs
- Sneezing
- Raised temperature
- Pressure in your ears and face
- Loss of taste and smell
The healthy body suggests treating a cold by getting lots of sleep, drinking plenty of water, and gargling salt water to sooth a sore throat. Cold medicines and painkillers, including paracetamol or ibuprofen, are also recommended. Dr Hilary, who is representing Manuka Doctor, recommends treating cold symptoms with Manuka honey, which boasts antibacterial properties.
Myths about winter illnesses stretch far and wide, but another popular theory is that you can ‘sweat out a cold’. Dr Hilary explains that sweating is a "good way of dealing with an infection" because it's the body’s natural way of getting rid of toxins. "Your body temperature goes up a little bit and your immune system effectively works better at a slightly higher temperature against the germs."
However, he highlights that physically sweating, through exercise or a sauna, is probably not the best idea when you’re feeling under the weather. The expert said: "Just being hot is not going to help you get rid of the virus. But your body’s natural immune response is slightly hotter and if you’re sweating more, it’s a sign that your body is doing what it should be."