This is a question that many have already been asked: can we catch a cold out outside with wet hair? Dr. Gérald Kierzek, Medical Director of True Medical disentangles the true from the false on this subject.
Colds, a common condition in autumn
The cold – or rhinopharyngitis – is an inflammation of the upper part of the pharynx, most often of infectious origin. The rhinopharyngitis frequency peak generally takes place in autumn/winter, a period when the most fragile are often the first affected.
Often, it is possible to feel a cold arriving before the appearance of the first symptoms (flow of the nose, headache …). You usually feel unusual fatigue, chills, a feeling of heaviness at the head and some aches.
The next day, the symptoms of the cold appear: sneezing, flow of the nose … and sometimes the crying eyes. The nose also becomes “blocked”, which leads to the need to fly. There is also the evacuation of a more or less thick mucus.
Finally, these symptoms can be accompanied by fever (greater than 38 ° C) and a feeling of bullied/light tinnitus ears.
“Rhinopharyngitis is a benign disease that often heals spontaneously and without treatment. A medical consultation may however be necessary in the event of complications”, specifies the health insurance site.
In terms of causes, they are multiple, although the majority of colds are of infectious origin. But can certain conditions promote the appearance of rhinopharyngitis? What about wet hair, (bad) habit too often adopted by the French?
Going out with wet hair, is this a bad idea?
Against all expectations, getting out with wet hair does not necessarily lead to colds.
“The cold is caused by viruses, especially transmitted between people and not by cold or body humidity. Having wet hair can simply give a feeling of cold or embarrassment, but does not increase the risk of respiratory infection if we have not been exposed to viral agents. Only contamination by a virus allows you to” fall sick “, Assures Dr Gérald Kierzek.
A good reason to stay in bed a few more minutes in the morning by zapping the hair dryer stage.
How to cure a cold?
In the event of a proven cold, Dr Gérald Kierzek advises us some simple daily reflexes to accelerate healing:
- Air your accommodation daily to renew air and reduce the concentration of viruses and bacteria in the inner environment;
- Maintain adequate humidity; Use a humidifier to maintain a good level of humidity in the house, especially during the night, as it can help to clear the airways and relieve nasal congestion;
- Keep your home at a comfortable temperature but not too high. Excessive heat can worsen cold symptoms;
- Make inhalations with essential oils such as eucalyptus or ravintsara to decongest the nose. You can add a few drops to a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam under a towel;
- Make sure that frequently affected surfaces are cleaned regularly to avoid the spread of germs;
- Encourage frequent hand washing with soap to reduce the transmission of the virus. And create a comfortable space where you can rest, because rest is essential to quickly recover from a cold.
Finally, do not forget to limit contacts with sick people to avoid this condition, concludes the doctor.