Winter is just around the corner. Most of the U.S. has already had a dose of cold, but we know it’s definitely going to get colder. 

Before we settle into winter’s chilling embrace, let’s light a flame to three fictitious cold weather myths.

What You Need To Know

  • It’s not the cold weather that makes you sick, but germs

  • If you don’t wear a hat, that doesn’t mean you’ll lose most of your body heat

  • The worst thing to drink is alcohol if you’re trying to warm up when it’s cold

1. If you don’t bundle up before going outside, you can catch a cold

Whether you bundle up or not, cold weather isn’t the health snatcher...it’s germs. According to kidshealth.org, germs are tiny body invaders that can make us sick which includes: Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.

The issue with cold weather is that it makes us want to stay inside where we are simply more exposed to germs. Plus, according to research from the National Institutes of Health (Flu Virus Fortified In Colder Weather | National Institutes of Health), some viruses thrive better in colder weather.  

So, not bundling up in the cold won’t necessarily trigger your next sneeze-fest. However, it could lead to frostbite or hypothermia if you’re not careful. 

It’s best to wash your hands often, avoid those that are sick, wear a mask, and get vaccinations to lessen your chances of being “under the weather.”

2. Wear a hat because that’s where you lose most of your body heat

You can’t lose “most” of your body heat from your head because it’s only 10% of the body’s total surface area. Yet, this varies a bit for babies.

The truth is that you will lose some heat from ANY exposed body parts. If you’re dressed in layers without gloves or a hat, then you’ll lose heat from your hands, face, and head.

On the contrary, if no skin is exposed from the waist up, but you’re wearing shorts, then the heat will escape from your legs.  

3. Drinking alcohol warms you up

Actually, alcohol makes you “feel warmer”, but it’s really lowering your body temperature. According to an article from alcohol.org, the liver gives off heat as it metabolizes the alcohol.

This gives a false feeling of warming as the person’s core temperature is actually dropping. 

Plus, according to weather.gov, alcohol reduces shivering which is your body’s natural way of keeping you warm. It’s best to drink hot tea, cocoa, warm water, or sip on soup in a cup if you want to warm up.