VERIFY | Cold weather is not the cause of the common cold. Here's what is

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — With the cold weather, many of us will be bundled up inside. But if you do have to go outside to let the dog out, take a walk, or do some things around the yard — will that cold weather make you sick?

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This first week of January was the coldest “first week” Charlotte has seen since 2016, and temperatures are only going to get colder.

Can cold air actually make you sick with a cold?

No, cold weather is not the cause of a cold.

A cold is a minor infection of the nose and throat that the Mayo Clinic and Virtua Health say you can catch through two primary methods. 

1. From airborne droplets spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes nearby.
2. When someone touches a contaminated surface and then touches their eyes, nose, or face.

But there is a reason why you usually see more sickness in the winter months. 

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, when the weather is bad we spend more time indoors, surrounded by other people — which increases our chances of encountering a sick person.

The CDC recommends washing your hands often and avoid touching your face. This will help prevent you from getting a cold.

Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.