Nick Ryan — Do you remember your mother telling you that if you went outside in the cold with a wet head that you'd catch your death of a cold? While your mother had good intentions, she wasn't exactly correct. Leaving the house with wet hair in the winter won't cause you to catch a cold or the flu; it will only make your hair freeze. But what about catching summer colds? Since it isn't cold outside, a wet head can't be the cause.
According to Dr. Rob Danoff, a board-certified family physician and medical correspondent for many media outlets, you will only catch a cold or the flu if you have been exposed to one of the many viruses that cause them. If you want to avoid getting ill this season, here's what to do:
1. Stay Moist
We've all experienced that feeling of razor blades in our throats when we wake up on a cold, winter morning. This is often one of the first indicators for many that the air inside of their home has dried out. When you start waking up with a dry throat and cracked lips, it's time to kick the humidifier into high-gear. Keeping your lips, mouth and throat moist will give you more power in fighting off viruses.
2. Don't Share
Your mother was right about this one: Don't share toothbrushes, lip balms, or drinking glasses. One of the easiest and quickest ways to catch a cold is to share these items. Even if the person you're sharing with isn't showing symptoms, they could still be carrying a virus. If you're thirsty, go get your own glass of water, if your lips are chapped, buy your own tube of lip balm. Remember that sharing goes both ways; never let anyone use your lip balm or drink out of your glass.
3. Avoid Towels
Towels in public restrooms are never a good idea. They're also a poor idea in the employee bathroom at work. Towels are almost never washed or replaced often enough. If you use a shared bathroom, make sure that you use a paper towel or hand dryer after you wash your hands. This will prevent you from picking up any viruses left behind on a shared towel. And, while you're at it, make sure that you're washing your hands frequently throughout the day.
4. Always Turn Down a Handkerchief
The next time you're teary-eyed and a lovely gentleman offers you the use of his handkerchief, politely decline. Handkerchiefs are one of the most germ-filled items that people can carry. In fact, if you are using your own handkerchief, break the habit and throw it in the trash. Each time you have to blow your nose or wipe your eyes, you should be using a fresh tissue. Also avoid using your shirt sleeve like a child; you'll transfer your germs to everything that you touch.
5. Be a Hermit
When it comes to the summer cold season, one of the best things that you can do is to stay home. Heading out to the mall, the local big box store or even a restaurant puts you at greater risk for catching a cold. These places are usually crowded with people and, unfortunately, not all of those people are as conscious of their personal hygiene as you are. Think about this: One lady sneezes into her hand, wipes her hand on her jeans and picks up a pair of earrings. You come by 30 seconds later, pick up the same pair of earrings, put them down and then touch your face; you've just transferred germs.
While your mom was right about lot things, you aren't going to get sick simply by going outside with a wet head, especially in the summer months. If you follow the common sense advice above, you can go outside with dripping hair every day of the year and still survive the cold and flu seasons.
About the Author
Nick Ryan writes articles for health sites.