Does Being Cold Really Give You a Cold?

             As the weather gets colder there is always a phrase you can count on hearing “Put on a coat or you'll catch a cold.” It's a belief that parents and grandparents alike seem to pass on to the next generation. But have you ever wondered if there is any truth to this “old wives tale” that not wearing a coat in the cold really increases your chances of catching a cold? This belief comes from the idea that cold weather can directly cause a virus when in reality that’s not true. According to the CDC one of the most common types of viruses are rhinoviruses. Rhinoviruses are a respiratory virus that spreads through droplets of an infected person when they cough or sneeze. The cold and dry air can often lead to more frequent coughing and sneezing, which increases the frequency of potential viral spread instances. The idea that exposure to cold weather and environments (especially without a coat) can lead to a viral infection is misleading. However, cold weather may indirectly increase the likelihood of catching a “cold” due to increased sinus activity in inclement weather, but the virus must be present first.

 The Cold Weakens our Defenses

The cold weather can actually play a significant role in how our bodies react when they come in contact with a virus. When our bodies get cold their ability to fight off a virus is drastically decreased. According to one study by Shepard et al (1998), inclement weather plays a key role in the “suppression of several cellular and humoral components of the immune response, including a decrease of lymphocyte proliferation.” These lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that play an important part in our immune system. They are responsible for identifying foreign invaders (like viruses) and using the body's immune system in an attempt to destroy them. Shepard goes on to say that,”Lymphocytes are an important unit in the immune response cascade that if not present result in a decrease in natural killer cell count. These Natural Killer cells are a specific type of lymphocyte that act as one of our first lines of defense. They provide rapid identification and destruction of infected viral cells without prior exposure needed. Without natural killer cells it would be much harder for our bodies to react to pathogens because our bodies' other immune responses such as T and B cells, take longer to respond.

             Another thing to keep in mind is that certain demographics will be affected more by the cold than others. For example, children have a harder time regulating their body temperature and thus are much more likely to be affected. They are also more likely to have compromised or weakened immune systems that make viral exposure more serious. Children, unlike most adults, don't have fully developed immune systems yet and lack vital components of the adaptive immunity such as “B” and “T” cell abundance. According to a study conducted by Semmes et al (2021), children under 6 only contain 60-75% of certain types of B cell activity (Figure 1). B cells are of vital importance as they produce antibodies that are  used to fight off viral pathogens.

Figure 1.  B and T cell availability in children under 6 and adults of 18 years of age.  This data was gathered research conducted by Semmes et al., 2021.

Cold to Action

The most important thing when the weather gets cold, regardless of if you're putting a jacket on or not, is to keep yourself out of harm's way during this year's cold and flu season. Make sure to wash your hands frequently to keep viruses and other unwanted bacteria away. It's also a good idea to stay home if you think you're getting sick. This will prevent the spread to those more susceptible demographics that may have a harder time fighting off illness.

 

Staying Warm in the Cold

Some may think that it's the cold weather that gives you a virus due to the cold-like symptoms that commonly arise during the winter months, such as a runny nose and sore throat. These symptoms are often mistaken for a cold/virus, but in reality they are just a result of your body reacting to the dry/cold air. The increased exposure to viruses from coughing and sneezing of infected individuals, along with your weakened immune system from the cold is the real culprit. Putting on your coat won't necessarily prevent you from catching a cold/virus. But it will help your body stay warm and reduce the conditions that make you more susceptible to illness.So next time you run outside give your body a fighting chance by taking a coat with you.

By Adam Singer, a Master's of Medical Science student at the University of Kentucky

References

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, April 24). About Rhinoviruses. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/rhinoviruses/about/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024b, October 15). About common cold. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

https://www.cdc.gov/common-cold/about/index.html#cdc_disease_basics_causes_risk_s pread-causes-and-spread

Shephard RJ, Shek PN. Cold exposure and immune function. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 1998 Sep;76(9):828-36. doi: 10.1139/cjpp-76-9-828. PMID: 10066131

 

Semmes EC, Chen JL, Goswami R, Burt TD, Permar SR, Fouda GG. Understanding Early-Life Adaptive Immunity to Guide Interventions for Pediatric Health. Front Immunol. 2021 Jan 21;11:595297. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.595297. PMID: 33552052; PMCID: PMC7858666.

Saving Money Without Sacrificing Quality: The Reality of Generic Drugs

 The Great Generic Dilemma

Have you ever stood at the pharmacy counter, wondering if the cheaper, generic version of your medication would work as well as the brand-name option? You’re not alone in this uncertainty. Many people harbor doubts about generics, fearing that the reduced cost translates to compromised quality or effectiveness. This widespread skepticism is more than just a personal dilemma; it’s a myth that costs patients and the healthcare system billions of dollars each year.

It’s easy to see how this belief took root. Brand-name drugs dominate the advertising landscape, featuring sleek packaging and years of marketing that promote their superiority. In our consumer-driven culture, we often equate a higher price with better quality, whether we’re shopping for cars, electronics, or even medications. But when it comes to your health, price is not always a reliable indicator of effectiveness.

 A generic drug is designed to be identical to its brand-name counterpart in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics, and intended use. This means that generics are not only affordable but also bioequivalent, working just as effectively and providing the same clinical benefits as the more expensive alternatives.1 Yet, despite this clarity, misinformation continues to sway patient decisions, leading many to choose brand-name drugs even when insurance coverage is limited, leaving them with hefty out-of-pocket expenses. What many don’t realize is that by clinging to this myth, they are not only draining their wallets but also missing out on cost-effective and equally reliable treatment options.

 The Truth About Generics: Science Speaks for Itself

Despite robust evidence supporting the effectiveness of generic medications, many patients remain hesitant. A common concern revolves around the inactive ingredients— such as fillers, dyes, or preservatives—that differ between generics and their brand-name counterparts. These variations can result in noticeable differences in appearance, taste, or even absorption, leading to worries that these changes might compromise the medication’s performance or cause unexpected side effects. Additionally, some individuals report feeling that generics are less potent or trigger more side effects than the branded versions. This perception often stems from the psychological impact of taking a pill that looks different or from isolated experiences with specific generics that contain varying inactive ingredients.

While these concerns are understandable, it's important to note that differences in inactive ingredients typically do not affect the safety, efficacy or overall therapeutic outcome for the vase majority of patients.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandates that generic medications demonstrate "bioequivalence" to their brand-name equivalents. This means they must deliver the same amount of active ingredient into a patient’s bloodstream in the same time frame as the original brand-name drug. In a comprehensive review of bioequivalence data from 2,070 single-dose clinical pharmacokinetic trials of approved orally administered generics conducted over 12 years (1996–2007), the FDA found no significant differences between branded and generic drugs.2

Moreover, a meta-analysis of 47 studies—including 38 randomized controlled trials— spanning nine different classes of cardiovascular drugs (such as α-blockers, angiotensin- converting enzyme inhibitors, antiplatelet agents, β-blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, and statins) revealed no evidence of superiority for original branded medications compared to their generic substitutes.3 For the vast majority of patients, generics perform just as effectively as brand-name drugs, with no significant differences in side effects or treatment success. In rare instances where a patient does react to an inactive ingredient, healthcare providers can readily identify an alternative generic or revert to the brand-name option if necessary. However, such cases are exceptions rather than the norm and should not deter patients from opting for a more cost-effective and safe choice.

 Call to Action: Become a Generic Advocate

So, the next time you find yourself at that pharmacy counter, remember you don’t have to spend more to get the same benefits! Generic medications are not just effective and safe; they are your ticket to affordable healthcare without sacrificing quality. Talk to your healthcare provider about generic options. Ask the questions that matter, voice your concerns, and discover how generics can fit into your treatment plan. Let’s embrace the truth, share the knowledge, and take charge of our health, one generic pill at a time!

By Taylor Carrico, a Master's of Medical Science student at the University of Kentucky

 

 References

1.      Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Generic Drugs: Questions & Answers. U.S. Food   and    Drug      Administration.    Accessed October  20,  2024. 

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/frequently-asked-questions-popular-topics/generic- drugs-questions-answers#1.

2.      Davit BM, Nwakama PE, Buehler GJ, et al. Comparing generic and innovator drugs: a review of 12 years of bioequivalence data from the United States Food and Drug Administration. Ann Pharmacother. 2009;43:1583–1597.

3.      Kesselheim AS, Misono AS, Lee JL, et al. Clinical equivalence of generic and brand- name drugs used in cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA. 2008;300:2514–2526.