Does damp hair mean trouble? Myths about catching a cold

Q: My mom always scolded me for not drying my hair after washing it, telling me I’d catch cold. She also talked about dressing for the weather, starving a fever and other things.

I’m wondering if there is any truth in any of these sayings. With COVID-19 still lingering, I’m trying to convince my kids to be more mindful of germs. A: While your mom may have warned you that going outside with wet hair will make you sick, the question remains:

Does wet hair cause the common cold? The short answer is no.

Colds are caused by viruses, so you can’t catch a cold from going outside with wet hair. And wet hair won’t make you more attractive to germs.

The same is true with respect to dressing for low temperatures. While it might be optimal to dress in warmer clothes when it’s cold outside, research indicates that cold weather — just like going outside with wet hair — doesn’t make you sick.

People often associate going outside with wet hair or being underdressed with getting sick because exposure to germs is more likely when you go outside. The cold is transmitted through bodily fluids, such as when people sneeze, cough or blow their nose. So, you have just as much of an opportunity to be exposed to germs indoors, especially when you are in close contact with others.

Other myths:

Myth: Vitamin C will help stave off illness.

Fact: Though it has been subject to much research, no definitive body of work says high doses of vitamin C prevent or treat colds.

Starve a fever; feed a cold.

When you don’t feel well, eating may not be on the top of your list. That is OK. Hydration is more important. Drink plenty of water or other fluids to stay hydrated.

Myth: Avoid dairy products if you have a cold because they can produce more mucus.

Fact: Ingesting dairy will not cause more mucus. Most likely, the texture of certain foods or drinks may coat your throat, which would give the impression that you have more phlegm. Certain dairy products can be good when you are sick. Ice cream can soothe a sore throat, and probiotics in yogurt can help alleviate stomach upset if you are taking antibiotics for an infection. Check with your health care provider to get a list of foods you should avoid with medications.

Rely on these common behaviors to avoid illness:

Wash your hands. Clean your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Disinfect your space. Clean kitchen and bathroom countertops with disinfectant. Be diligent about wiping down doorknobs and frequently touched surfaces.

Use tissues. Sneeze and cough into tissues. Discard used tissues right away. Then thoroughly wash your hands.

Don’t share drinking glasses or utensils with other family members. Use your own cup when you or someone else is sick. Label the cup with the name of the person with the cold.

Practice social distancing and safe behaviors, especially if others are ill. Avoid close contact with anyone who is ill. Consider wearing a mask if you are going to be out in public or around a lot of people in an intimate setting. Since COVID-19 is still a threat, it’s important to practice safety regardless of whether you have been vaccinated for COVID

19. Cold and flu germs are still prevalent. — Carmen Dargel, M.D., Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System, Onalaska, Wisconsin

Mayo Clinic Q&A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. Email a question to MayoClinicQ&A@ mayo.edu.

DREAMSTIME Myth: Fact: