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303elliott t1_iz6ss45 wrote

Reply to comment by stockjonesmackboy in A new study focuses on the crucial question of why people are more vulnerable to catching colds during the months of winter. The answer hinges on an evolved defense system, innate to the human nose, that is numbed by frigid temperatures. by BoredMamajamma

There wasn't enough information in the article for me to come to a direct conclusion. Their own conclusion was that developing these vesicles artificially could be a solution, which has nothing to do with temperature. But your question does have me curious!

I had a friend who is Mexican, he told me he always wore a scarf out in the cold because Mexican culture believed directly inhaling cold air could make you sick. Looking back, I wonder if there was more wisdom in that claim than I originally gave him credit for

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WellIllBeJiggered t1_iz7hwi6 wrote

I heard an "expert" on a radio program a few years ago claim that wearing a scarf, even loosely around the neck, helped to collect your exhaled viruses and reduce the inhaled viruses. The closer it came to covering the nose, the greater the protection.

I'll try locate the source

E: radio program archives don't go back that far

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1skepticalguy t1_izaa6cr wrote

This is literally why people in most Asian countries wear masks in public if they even feel slightly ill. It's considered to be the polite thing to do to protect others.

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303elliott t1_iz9gykb wrote

Huh. I mean, that would actually make sense. Viruses love clinging to moisture, and sometimes reducing viral load is enough to not get sick, depending on the virus

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thomastavish t1_iza8qm9 wrote

That's why some people wear mask. It could help to lessen your inhale viruses.

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Pascalwb t1_iz9dt8p wrote

This is same in Europe and many other places. Older people saying to dress warm because you will get ill. Of course you don't get ill from the cold itself, but it does not help if your body is cold and has to work hard to stay warm.

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303elliott t1_iz9hbfc wrote

This is a little different. In the US they have the same belief, and there's a lot of evidence that staying warm actually does prevent getting sick because your body isn't wasting energy on extra metabolism, energy which could be instead used on your immune system. His belief was strictly about inhaling cold air. No open windows at night, no going out without a scarf covering your mouth.

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