Sajila Nudrat | Health Editor
Featured Image: While colds and the flu are common during the winter season, it is not due to the cold weather. | Justine Monstanto
“Wear a jacket, you’ll catch a cold,” the time-old saying any person has probably heard countless times, especially during chilly seasons. Whether it be from a persistent mother or just a prevalent belief, here’s to debunking a few myths about the cold weather.
It is actually a common misconception that the transitionary period between hot and cold weather is the reason why people get sick. In fact, there is no direct, proven correlation between the two. The number one reason why people get sick, and will continue to get sick, is because of germs. A cold begins when a person’s body has been exposed to a virus. This has nothing to do with how cold the weather is.
“My mom always used to tell me that the transitory period between hot to cold in autumn was the most dangerous. She claimed it was when most people don’t realize it’s cold enough to make you sick and therefore less precautions are taken. This meant I’d always be bundled up in the fall, despite how much I hated it,” says Umar Azmi, a second-year psychology student. “When I was younger that’s what I thought, but around grade nine I stopped believing it. I decided it didn’t really make that much sense.”
Although there are certain illnesses that are more prominent and tend to make an appearance in cold weather, the cooler temperatures is not necessarily the direct cause of the illness. A variety of factors can combine together to make colds and virus’ more violent and difficult in the winter season.
Humidity is a factor that accelerates the spread of influenza. Another factor is close proximity where bacteria can travel easily between hosts.
Studies have also shown that a combination of wet hair and cold weather also has no contribution to illness. The best way to protect oneself from the influenza this season is by staying germ free. When asked about the precautions he takes, Azmi says, “I guess I don’t really live life making conscious decisions to not get sick. I just do things like avoiding dangerous situations where I may contract something, washing my hands, sneezing properly, working out, and trying to eat healthy even though that doesn’t always go as planned.”
“Although York University does not provide medical advice, we encourage our campus community to be as informed as possible when making decisions about their health and wellbeing. As flu season approaches, students should work with their healthcare providers to get the best advice to combat the common cold and flu. If students have any questions, they can contact York’s Wellness Hub, located at S107 Ross Building, next to Lost & Found,” says deputy spokesperson Yanni Dagonas
“The Wellness Hub is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. We encourage students to contact their local healthcare provider and pharmacy for information on obtaining the free influenza vaccine.”
