NHS GP shares 'biggest myth' people believe about catching colds during winter

It's that season again when a host of bugs and sniffles start to make their rounds.

Among the usual suspects are coughs and colds, which we somewhat expect as the chillier months approach, but there are certain misconceptions surrounding sickness that many take as truth.

In a recent effort to dispel a prevalent health myth, an NHS GP took to social media to offer advice. Dr. Shireen, who goes by @doctorshireen on TikTok, is notable for her engagement with followers on health-related topics.

She shed light on the age-old question whether getting cold can actually lead to catching a cold - a response that might catch some off guard. Dr. Shireen labeled this belief as one of the "biggest myths" in healthcare advice circles.

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In her straightforward explainer clip, she said: "This is not true. There is no medical evidence to suggest this, but there is a reason you are more prone to viruses when the weather is cold, and I'm going to go into that now.

"Firstly, when it's cold outside, you're more likely to congregate indoors. So, instead of going to see your friends in a park or sitting outside in a pub for example, people come to each other's houses.

"There is a lot more indoor mingling, and if Covid-19 taught us anything is social distancing is key at preventing viruses, and we actually lose social distancing when the weather is cold.

"The other key thing is there is some medical evidence out there that cold weather weakens our immune system so that means, when we are exposed to the viruses, we are much more likely to catch them."

However, despite a slight link between cold weather and illness, the weather itself does not directly cause illness. A cold is the result of a viral infection so, unless you're particularly keen to wrap up, there's no pressing need to do so, according to the GP.

The video has garnered dozens of likes since being shared, prompting numerous responses. Many believe this message needs to be conveyed to older generations.

One commenter expressed gratitude, saying: "Thank you for sharing. I am always telling my daughter to wrap up warm otherwise she will catch a cold. Mind you, when she was at uni, she sometimes went out wearing damp clothes."

However, another disagreed, stating: "Being too cold makes you more prone to illness though, so it's not really untrue'." A third commenter shared a contrasting experience, saying: "Strange that I have experienced the exact opposite."