Debunking Health Myths
Outdated beliefs die hard when it comes to winter illness. With cold and flu season now upon us, read on to make sure you have the latest information for treating your little one
Originally published November, 2009
Myth
Your child can get a cold (or the flu) by actually being cold—for example, by going outside with wet hair or without a toque.
fact
While proper dress during cold weather is always a good idea, research has shown that these illnesses are caused by coming into contact with a virus, not the temperature outside. Noting that she still hears this one on a weekly basis—often from parents who think their child was not dressed warmly enough prior to getting a cold—Dr. Malcolm advises that “you can be as cold and wet as you want; if you don’t get exposed to a virus, you’re not going to get sick.” This myth may have arisen because viruses spread more easily and widely when people are clustered tightly together inside for long periods of time—a common occurrence when the mercury drops outside. Dr. Malcolm concedes that being cold and wet may, for a very brief time, depress your immune resistance. “It may increase your susceptibility a little bit, but you still have to be exposed to the virus to get sick.”
Photo by Veer
By Tim Johnson
