Many people associate cold weather with the common cold. While the weather is not directly responsible for making people sick, the viruses that cause colds may spread more easily in lower temperatures, and exposure to cold and dry air may adversely impact the body's immune system.

Can you catch a cold from being cold and wet?

While being cold and wet won't get you sick, certain cold viruses do thrive in a colder climate. The virus that is most responsible for causing colds, the rhinovirus, prefers a colder climate and studies have shown there is a correlation between colder temperatures and increased rhinovirus infections.

Why do you get sick when it's cold?

Some research suggests the answer is yes. Being cold actually may reduce your body's ability to fight infection, and the cold air in your nasal passages may reduce your immune cells' ability to fight off the virus in your nasal passage.