Does Getting Wet From Rain Make You Sick?

It's a common misconception that getting wet in the rain can make you catch a cold. The rain itself can't actually make you sick.

However, staying wet and cold for prolonged periods may lower your body temperature enough to affect your immune system—putting you at an increased risk of catching a cold or flu virus.

How You Get Sick 

Getting stuck in a downpour or running in the rain doesn't make you sick because rain doesn't transmit viruses. Viruses that cause the common cold and flu are spread through an infected person's body fluids. That means that close contact with sick people, or touching a surface that contains snot or saliva with the virus—and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose—is what can make you sick.  

Although it's true more people get sick during cold and rainy seasons, but this is more likely from being indoors from prolonged periods of time. Research shows cold and flu viruses are more likely to thrive in cold, dry conditions. These viruses don't transmit well in humid conditions, like rain. However, rainy days make people more likely to gather indoors. So, indirectly, rainy weather can give viruses a better chance of infecting more people in close contact. 

Why You Get Sick 

While you can't catch a cold in the rain, you may catch a chill that lowers your body temperature and weakens your immune system. Getting and staying wet can make it hard to regulate your body temperature in cool weather. This is because being covered in rain—or sweat—causes the body to lose heat as it continuously evaporates moisture off the skin.  

Research has found that drops in body temperature can decrease people's immune response, which helps them fight off viruses. As a result, you may be more susceptible to catching a virus if you feel chilled during or after your time in the rain. 

Some new research has highlighted that a weakened immune response when you're cold probably has something to do with your nose's decreased immunity. Essentially, being cold caused your nose's blood vessels to narrow, which can then prevent white blood cells from reaching it's mucous membrane and helping you fight off germs.

Can Rain Cause Hypothermia?

Being outside in cold temperatures, with or without rain, can lead to hypothermia, which is abnormally low body temperature. Hypothermia occurs when you spend too long in cold temperatures, and your body starts losing heat faster than it's being produced. Even cooler temperatures above 40°F can lead to hypothermia if you become chilled from rain or sweat. An average body temperature is usually around 98.6°F, while hypothermia drops body temperature below 95°F. Hypothermia is extremely dangerous and can lead to death.

Symptoms of hypothermia include:

• Shivering 
• Exhaustion 
• Confusion
• Loss of coordination
• Memory loss
• Slurred speech
• Drowsiness
  

Hypothermia can affect brain function, so people may not realize they're in a medical emergency. If someone experiences symptoms of hyperthermia after being in the rain, seek medical help immediately. 

Tips for Staying Healthy Outdoors

Because becoming chilled in the rain may make you more susceptible to illness, staying warm and dry is the best way to avoid getting sick. Making sure you regulate your body temperature in rainy weather can also help you avoid hypothermia. Here are seven tips to stay healthy hiking, walking, or running in the rain.

Check the Weather

Don't get stuck in weather conditions you didn't prepare for or expect. Knowing the temperature and rain conditions can help you dress for the elements or avoid going into heavy rain or freezing temperatures. If rain may be possible, packing extra layers is always a good idea. 

Wear Breathable, Waterproof Outerwear  

If you're spending time in the rain, wear a waterproof rain jacket or running jacket to keep you dry. Look for raingear with a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating that repels water but doesn't compromise breathability. Rain jackets that don't breathe will build up heat that makes you sweaty and chilled. If old raingear doesn't seem as waterproof, consider applying fresh DWR. 

Avoid Cotton Clothing

Cotton soaks up water and holds it against your skin, making you feel wet and cold. You're more likely to catch a chill wearing cotton layers that touch skin—like shirts, bras, and socks—because your body will lose body heat trying to evaporate sweat and moisture off your skin. 

Wear Moisture-Wicking Base Layers  

Under your rain jacket, wear clothing made from moisture-wicking materials like wool, nylon, and polyester. Breathable, sweat-wicking clothing helps keep sweat and rain off your skin so you don't lose heat and feel chilled.

Cover Your Head 

Wear a waterproof hat or hood to help keep rain off your hair and face. Not only will this help you see better in the downpour, but it'll help you stay warm and dry. While wet hair won't make you sick, wet hair can make you feel cold. You also lose some heat through your head when it's cold. Wearing a hat may help trap in some warmth. 

Change Into Dry Clothes

Once you get inside, strip off those wet clothes. Sitting in wet clothes will make your skin cold and lower your body temperature. If you're on the trail, keep a spare towel and dry clothes in your car so you don't have to sit in soggy clothes. Remember to change your shoes and socks, too! 

Drink a Warm Beverage

Drinking your favorite warm beverage can help warm up your body if you're feeling cold. If you'll be in the rain for a while, pack a thermos of hot tea or coffee to keep warm on the go. Hot cocoa or a bowl of soup can also help warm you from the inside once you get home. 

A Quick Review

Getting wet from the rain doesn't spread cold and flu viruses, but catching a chill in the rain may indirectly increase your risk of catching a cold or flu virus. Rainy weather can decrease your body temperature and immune response if you get cold and wet. During rainy seasons, people are also more likely to spend time indoors, where it's easier to spread viruses. If you're spending a rainy day outdoors, wear a rain jacket and breathable, moisture-wicking clothing to help you stay warm and dry.