Does getting cold affect our immune system?

Many of us will have been told ‘you'll catch a cold’ when we ventured out without a coat as children. But while there's no evidence that cold directly affects the immune system, cold temperatures might help existing viruses to thrive.

How cold is too cold?

If we're used to wandering around our house in a t-shirt whatever the weather, dropping the heating a couple of degrees might simply mean we need to dress more warmly when indoors. But if we're trying to avoid turning on the heating in the coldest weather, it's important to understand the symptoms of our body becoming dangerously cold.

Mahmood explains that the average normal body temperature is anything between around 36°C and 37.5°C.

"If your core body temperature drops below around 35^°C then signs of hypothermia can set in," he says. "This includes shivering, drowsiness, pallor, initially rapid - and then eventually slowed down - breathing, and a fast heart rate.”

Who is most susceptible?

While being too cold is unpleasant for anyone, some people are more susceptible to the cold than others. Colder temperatures can be especially dangerous to those who are vulnerable or dealing with poor health.

Mahmood adds that low temperatures are more dangerous for people at the extremes of age - such as very small children and the elderly.

Keeping an eye on others

Even if we are not feeling the financial pinch this winter, it's important to be mindful of others. Neighbours or relatives, especially those who are elderly, might be embarrassed to admit they are living in conditions that are too cold. If you are concerned, it's important to be aware of how to know that someone is struggling in the cold temperatures.

In this time of financial crisis, staying warm this winter may not be easy. However, the following advice from Age UK may help to stave off the harmful affects of cold weather this winter.

What if I’m worried?

If you're worried about an elderly or vulnerable person, make sure you seek advice. If the person is elderly, Age UK has a variety of ways it can support.

While some people may claim that the cold 'doesn't do any harm' this is far from being the case. Keeping warm during the winter is an important part of staying healthy, especially for those who are vulnerable. If concerned, make sure you reach out to friends or relatives, or seek medical advice if symptoms develop.