Can you catch a cold or flu from being cold and wet?

Contrary to popular belief, simply being cold and wet does not directly cause you to catch a cold or flu. These illnesses are caused by viruses that are spread through contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces. However, being cold and wet can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to catching a cold or flu virus that you may have already been exposed to.

When you're cold, your body has to work harder to maintain its internal temperature, which can cause stress and lead to a weakened immune system. Additionally, when your skin is wet, it loses heat more quickly than when it's dry, which can also cause stress and a weakened immune system. So while being cold and wet won't give you a cold or flu directly, it can make you more vulnerable to infection if you come into contact with someone who has the virus.