What did your mother always tell you about wrapping up warm? Yes Mums, try and hide those smug grins as scientists have found that dressing warmly really does stop you from catching a cold.
Staff at the Common Cold Centre in Cardiff took 180 volunteers and asked half of them to keep their bare feet in icy water for 20 minutes. Whaaaaaat? That would feel terrible.
They found 29% developed a cold within five days, compared with only 9% in the group that stayed warm and dry. It was previously thought there was no link between temperature and the bug.
The researchers reckon it could be because when you're cold, the blood vessels in your nose get smaller. That means white blood cells, which fight infection, can't get to the bug to beat it, making you more likely to get ill.
If you want to find out more about coughs, colds and the ‘flu then have a look at this great activity on the Planet Science site. It is called ‘What really gets up your nose!’ Make sure you have the sound switched on so you really appreciate the sound effects! Click here
Which reminds us of a limerick…
There was a young lady from Mold,
Who had the most terrible cold,
She’d cough and she’d sneeze
Give a terrible wheeze
Then pass us her hanky to hold. Eeeeeyak!!
Think you could do better? Read on…
