Is it true that if you dress really warm you won't get sick?

[XiaoMandy]

I know germs don't care, but my mom swears by this. And she isn't the only one. Is it true? Should I keep really warm all winter?

[TheSavageTruth]

The cold can help lower your immune system thus making you more succeptible to illness. it doesn't make you sick innately.

thats why they say bundle up - to prevent weaking your bodys natural defenses TO fight sickness.

[XiaoMandy]

That makes sense. My mom always bundles me up for the day lol, like 2 layers of pants and 2 sweaters under my coat lol... I get pretty hot but I guess that's why I'm not sick!

[Dandeus]

That would only be true of prolonged exposure to cold that significantly reduces core temperature. Superficial, temporary cold has no effect on your immune system.

[Flex4Ever]

You're exposed to all kinds of viruses all day every day, your immune system is what determines whether you get them or not. I don't know if being warm boosts your immune system when it's cold outside.

[Anonymous]

Germs grow slower in warm temperatures. So by bundling up and keeping warm you're at less of a chance of getting sick, I believe.

[XiaoMandy]

So my mom is right? She makes me dress so warm lol... like leggings under my jeans, at least two sweaters, winter coat haha... I feel so hot as the day goes on but I guess I'm not sick!

[Dandeus]

That's totally wrong. Germs grow FASTER in warm temperatures. That's why you refrigerate and freeze food.

And a warm body means nothing. You don't get sick through your skin under your clothes. Germs don't grow fast enough to spread on your skin that way. You get sick because you inhale an airborne pathogen or because you touch your eyes or mouth with germs on your hand. Neither of which is inhibited by warm clothing.

[Dandeus]

It's an old wive's tale.