Physicians have historically attributed the common cold to viral infections transmitted through the nose or mouth rather than cold weather. Prior research has in fact demonstrated that cold temperatures do not inhibit the rhinovirus, the major virus behind the common cold (1).
New research lends credence to the popular notion that staying warm will help you avoid catching the common cold.
So why does winter hail a greater propensity for sniffles and sneezing? A recent study conducted by Yale researchers indicated that cold temperatures hinder our immune response to viruses. To investigate the relationship between immune response and temperature, the Yale researchers, led by immunology professor Akiwo Iwasaki, examined cells taken from the airways of mice. These cells were divided into two groups, which were incubated at two different temperatures: 37 degrees Celsius, or core body temperature, and 33 degrees Celsius. Each group of cells was then exposed to the rhinovirus, and the cells’ immune responses were observed. According to Iwasaki, “we found that the innate response to the rhino virus is impaired at the lower body temperature compared to the core body temperature” (1). While the rhinovirus’ activity is not impaired, the body’s immune response is hindered by the cold, which allows the rhinovirus to thrive.
In order to confirm their results, the researchers also studied viral replication in the airways of mice with immunological genetic deficiencies. They found that at the higher temperature, the virus was able to replicate because of the mice’s immune deficiencies. “That proves it’s not just virus intrinsic, but it’s the host’s response that’s the major contributor,” Iwasaki explained (1).
Though the research was conducted on mice, its connection to human healthcare is clear. Approximately 20 percent of people harbor the rhinovirus in their noses at any given time (1). This research provides scientific evidence that people should stay warm and cover their noses to avoid catching colds.
Looking forward, the Yale team hopes to apply this research to children afflicted with asthma. While the common cold is viewed as a nuisance to most adults, it can cause severe respiratory problems for asthmatic children (2).
Sources:
1. Kashef, Ziba (2015, January 5). Cold virus replicates better at cooler temperatures. Retrieved January 9, 2015, from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/01/150105170014.htm
2. Foxman et al. (2014, December 5). Temperature-dependent innate defense against the common cold virus limits viral replication at warm temperature in mouse airway cells. Retrieved January 9, 2015, from http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2015/01/02/1411030112
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