After being caught out in the rain ...

When you've been caught out in the rain and feel the chill creeping in, it's wise to take action — not because the rain itself causes a cold, but because being wet and cold for a while can weaken your defences.

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According to one expert from the Mayo Clinic, “rain itself does not make you sick,” but adds that “being wet and cold for a prolonged period may lower your immune system” and leave you more vulnerable to viral infections.

First things first: change out of your soaked clothes right away. When fabric remains damp and clings to your skin, it continues to draw heat from your body. Experts note that exposure to cold — including low environmental temperatures or cold water — can cause suppression of immune responses, creating a window of opportunity for infection. A warm shower soon after will help restore your body’s temperature and remove the chill caused by rain and dampness. One source explains: “Being cold from prolonged exposure to rain outside may lower the effectiveness of your immune system, making you more likely to contract a cold virus.”)