Can you really “catch a cold through your feet”? Myth or reality?

Although the phrase “catch a cold” is synonymous with “get sick,” its exact origins remain mysterious. Parents frequently use it to encourage their children to cover up before going out.

In reality, the cold itself does not cause illnesses such as colds or flu. It is the viruses responsible for these infections that are the cause. However, the cold can weaken our body’s natural defenses. It irritates the nose and bronchi, and paralyzes the cilia responsible for protection against pathogens. “The cold irritates the nose and bronchi and paralyzes the cilia, the first line of defense. explains general practitioner, Dr Judith Loeb Mansour. A study published in 2022 in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology confirms his words.

Another element to take into account: in winter, we tend to stay in closed and poorly ventilated spaces, thus favoring the spread of microbes. A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity and the absence of tobacco and alcohol consumption, is essential to strengthen our immune system. Dr Judith Loeb Mansour also adds that lack of vitamin D can also impact our ability to protect ourselves from infections.