Regardless of where you choose to exercise, there is no denying that it is beneficial to your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. However, a report released in August 2020 states that more Americans than ever started exercising outside after the epidemic forced gyms throughout the country to close.

It was a change for the better in a lot of respects. Studies show that exercising outside might be even more advantageous than going to the gym or building up an appetite at home. For example, a January 2019 study published implies that those who start exercising outside report higher levels of pleasure and enjoyment and are more likely to continue than those who stay indoors.

But now that the weather is becoming cold in many parts of the nation, going outside poses additional difficulties. In fact, the study found that over half of Americans purposefully postpone their outdoor exercise during the winter. When the weather becomes chilly, the first thing that undoubtedly crosses your mind is whether or not running outside might make you sick. These days, maintaining our health is more crucial than ever, and since being fit is so fundamental to our overall wellness, we have gathered information to find out if jogging in the cold might cause illness.

Dispelling the Fallacy That You Can Catch a Cold from the Winters

Can jogging in the cold make you sick? You must first go back a little in order to respond to that question. After all, despite what science says, your parents could have taught you as a child that you should bundle up in the cold season to avoid becoming sick. "This antiquated notion has been extensively examined and proven false," states healthcare experts.

Proof that the cold does not cause cold dates back to historic research published in 1968, in which forty-four participants were placed in a room that was 39 degrees Fahrenheit or submerged in a water bath that was 90 degrees Fahrenheit. After that, they received a rhinovirus vaccination.

After closely monitoring the participants, researchers discovered that there was no variation in infectivity, length or severity of sickness, immune response, or recovery based on the temperature in which the subjects had spent their time.

The Actual Spread of Viruses and Bacteria

The flu, and the common cold are all viral diseases. (CDC) states that direct contact with an infected person or the air are the two main ways that colds spread. Additionally, handling surfaces like doorknobs that have virus particles on them and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes might result in a cold.

According to the CDC, the new virus and the flu transmit similarly, although the main method of spread is through droplets released when an individual talks, sneezes, or coughs rather than by coming into contact with surfaces.

If viral flu particles are inhaled or fall directly into your mouth or nose, they can travel up to six feet before becoming infectious. As per the CDC, there is increasing evidence that aerosols carrying the new virus have the ability to fly over six feet and can stay suspended in the atmosphere for prolonged durations.

In the meanwhile, acute bronchitis might result from a respiratory infection, such as the flu or a cold. This happens when the mucus production and coughing reflex are heightened due to inflammation of the wall of your breathing passages.

Why There May Be a Higher Chance of Infection in Colder Climates

Consequently, why does the cold and flu season coincide with the colder months of the year if the cold weather itself cannot infect you? According to experts, "People are inclined to huddle indoors." "Any one time you are in an environment sharing atmosphere with others, you become subjected to whatever germs they are carrying."

Moreover, wintertime tends to bring with it drier air, which aids in the spread of viruses. According to animal research that was published in 2014, influenza spreads more readily in dry conditions. Similar findings were reported in a September 2016 research, and a November 2020 study verified that a one per cent drop in humidity is associated with a seven to eight per cent rise in viral infections.

Why do I Get Sick When I go for a Run in the Cold?

Having a sore throat or sore muscles after a run doesn't always indicate that you're sick. Runny noses are frequent during exercise in cold temperatures. According to experts, the body reacts to dry, icy air by creating more mucus. In actuality, that additional mucus keeps you healthy. According to a March 2017 study, mucus aids in the removal of microorganisms from the body and raises the risk of lower as well as upper respiratory infections when the airway wall becomes overly dry.

Following a jog in cold weather, some people also report having a sore throat. "A lot of mu may travel down into the back of the throat, potentially creating irritation," according to experts. "But it's not dangerous, and it will cease to exist when you go indoors." Bring your own bottle of water instead of using the public fountains, and whenever you contact a public surface, such a park seat or a toilet while out and about, wash your palms or use disinfectant.

The Bottom Line!

In short, running in the cold won't directly make you sick with a cold or the flu. The idea that cold weather causes illness is actually a myth. Illnesses like the flu spread more easily in colder months because people spend more time indoors, and viruses can linger in dry air. When you exercise in the cold, your body might produce more mucus, which is actually a good thing because it helps remove harmful microorganisms.

So, if you feel a bit sniffly or have a sore throat after running in the cold, it's likely just your body adjusting to the temperature, and it's not a sign of illness. Just make sure to dress warmly and stay hydrated, and you can enjoy your outdoor workouts without worrying too much about getting sick.