Can You *Actually* Get Sick From Going Outside With Wet Hair?

Healthy Living - By on

We've all had this squabble with our mothers (or, in the case of our viewer Jackie, roommate) -- but can you actually get sick from going outside in the winter with wet hair?

When we received an email from Jackie about the ongoing debate, we had to get to the bottom of it, so we called in pharmacist Dr. Stacia Woodcock.

Q: I never leave myself with enough time to get ready for work in the morning and often find myself running out the door with a wet head. Whenever this happens, my roommate always stops me and tells me I am going to get sick. Is this true? Does going outside with wet hair put me at risk of getting sick? - Jackie

A: This is actually not true. Only a cold virus can cause a cold. The thought is that during cold weather, people tend to congregate inside in larger groups more, which helps virus transmission. The viruses are also happier in cold weather, and replicate much faster, so exposure is much more likely when it is cold outside. - Dr. Stacia Woodcock

Sooo, will we get in trouble if we say "I told you so" to our moms … ?