Why are we more likely to get sick if we are cold?

Why are we more likely to get sick if we are cold?

Bundle up! Our cells' ability to fend off infection is suppressed when they are below body temperature.

Luis Villazon

Asked by: Emre Yorgancigil, Turkey

It’s partly because everyone stays indoors when the weather is bad, which helps germs to spread. But a 2014 study at Yale University found that the rhinovirus that causes most colds can only infect cells that are slightly below body temperature. Warm cells are able to fend off the virus by producing lots of interferon proteins. In cold air, the lining of your nose gets chillier and the cells’ immune response is much weaker.

Subscribe to BBC Focus magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun science facts.

Luis Villazon

Q&A expert

Luis trained as a zoologist, but now works as a science and technology educator. In his spare time he builds 3D-printed robots, in the hope that he will be spared when the revolution inevitably comes.
Why are we more likely to get sick if we are cold? © Getty Images

© Getty Images

This website is owned and published by Our Media Ltd. www.ourmedia.co.uk
© Our Media 2025