Doctor debunks common cold myth and explains what puts you at risk

It's a common belief you've got to wrap up warm when heading out in the winter to avoid catching a cold. While it's not bad advice, it turns out it's not entirely accurate, a doctor has revealed.

Talking to the Mirror, Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at shared advice for avoiding nasty colds this winter and answered the age-old question.

Explaining why so many of us develop colds in the colder months, he said: "Despite popular belief, cold weather alone does not directly make people sick or more likely to catch a cold, but the conditions can increase the chances of falling ill.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

"This is because the cold weather itself can create more ideal conditions that increase the risk of catching an illness. Cold air can suppress the immune system while more people tend to spend more time indoors, in close proximity with others, when temperatures drop."

He added: "Additionally, the drier air can make it more difficult to filter out viruses, increasing the chance of infection. Overall, the cold weather doesn’t cause people to fall sick but creates ideal circumstances for bacteria and viruses to easily spread."

That said, nobody is suggesting you head off ice skating with nothing but a T-shirt to keep you warm. "It’s still advised to wear a coat in the cold weather to protect against hypothermia and frostbite. Maintaining a healthy body temperature is also vital for cardiovascular health, so I strongly recommend people opt to wear a coat this winter," the expert noted.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

"There are various factors that can increase the chances of an individual falling ill with the cold," Dr Grant continued. "Young children and older adults are the two age groups most at risk, so exposure to such as crowds at school or family can increase the chances of catching a cold from an infected individual.

"Additionally, a person’s immune system can play a massive role in increasing the likelihood of catching a cold. A lack of exercise, an unbalanced diet and poor sleep can all impact immune function, making the body less able to fight off common conditions."

Fortunately, his advice is simple. "To help reduce the chances of catching a cold, I recommend washing hands often to avoid the spread of bacteria, especially after coming into contact with public spaces and shared items. Soap and water are effective while hand sanitiser is also useful in targeting and removing germs. Typically, bacteria can enter the body through the mouth, eyes and nose - so it’s vital that people avoid touching their faces," said the doctor.

"Aside from practising good hygiene, the maintenance of a strong immune system is crucial for long-term protection. To boost the immune system, aim to get around 7-9 hours of sleep each night, eat well-balanced, nutritional meals and manage water intake."