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When the temperature drops, winter health myths tend to heat up. From the belief that cold air causes a cold to the idea that staying inside with the heat cranked up is the best defense, -- it can be hard to know what’s actually true.
Julia Jenkins, MD, FAAFP, DipABLM, a primary care physician at BayCare’s Turley Family Health Center in Clearwater, breaks down some of the most common winter misconceptions so you can stay healthy all season long.
“Winter health isn’t about avoiding cold air,” Dr. Jenkins says. “It’s about supporting the foundations of health that strengthen your immune system year-round.”
Dr. Jenkins shared her expertise about some of the most common winter myths.
Myth #1: Cold weather causes the sniffles
The truth: It’s not the cold itself—it’s the conditions that come with it.
“People spend more time indoors during the winter, often in close quarters with less ventilation,” explained Dr. Jenkins. “That makes it easier for viruses like the cold and flu to spread. It’s exposure to germs — not cold air — that makes you sick.”
Shorter daylight hours and disrupted sleep schedules can also affect immune resilience.
“Research consistently shows that adequate sleep, stress management, regular physical activity and good nutrition have a much greater impact on immune health than temperature alone,” added Dr. Jenkins.
Myth #2: Going outside with wet hair will make you sick
The truth: It may make you cold, but it won’t cause an infection.
“You don’t catch viruses from being damp — you catch them from other people,” said Dr. Jenkins. “Walking out the door with wet hair won’t give you pneumonia. You’d have to be exposed to the bacteria or virus causing the illness.”
Still, being chilled can weaken your body’s ability to regulate temperature, which might make you feel run-down. But it won’t create illness on its own.
Myth #3: You don’t need sunscreen in winter
The truth: Sunscreen is a year-round essential—especially in Florida.
Even on cool, cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays can still reach your skin. And in Florida’s mild winters, sun exposure can sneak up on you.
“Skin cancer prevention is a year-round effort,” said Dr. Jenkins. “If you’re outdoors for more than 15 minutes — walking, gardening or spending time at the park — you still need sunscreen on exposed areas. The winter sun can cause just as much damage over time.”
Myth #4: Cranking up the heat helps prevent illness
The truth: A warm home is cozy—but not a cure.
Indoor heat doesn’t kill airborne viruses, but it can dry out the air. And when the air gets dry, so do your sinuses.
“Heating systems pull moisture from the air, which can irritate your nose and throat,” noted Dr. Jenkins. “Dry mucous membranes make it easier for viruses to take hold, especially in children.”
Humidifiers, hydration and avoiding prolonged blasts of hot, dry air can help your body’s natural defenses stay strong. “Comfort matters,” said Dr. Jenkins. “But don’t rely on heat alone to keep you healthy.”
Stay Healthy This Winter
Winter wellness is about prevention, personalization and consistency. While myths can be persistent, the science is clear: germs—not cold weather—are the real cause of winter illness, and a healthy lifestyle goes a long way to help you fight it.
Focus on the basics to protect yourself and your family:
To read more wellness articles and tips on staying well: Healthy Living
