While some may say that the cold weather conjures up thoughts of snow days, hot chocolate, and the holiday season, others say that the cold weather brings stress to the cardiovascular system, chest pain, and higher blood pressure. Both cases are correct.

“I hate the cold, I hate the cold, I hate the cold,” tweeted senior Sam Intili. This belief is common throughout many summer-seeking Americans.

As a little kid, you probably heard from your parents not to go outside without a jacket on in the cold weather, or you’ll catch a cold. But in actuality it does not work that way. There is no real direct relation between cold weather and getting a cold.

The common cold and the flu are caused by viruses. One might try to argue that people do get sick more in the winter months than summer months when it’s hotter, and while this may be true, it is not the fact that people are outside in the cold that gets them sick. It is the fact that people are inside when it’s cold outside that gets them sick. When people stay inside during the cold months they are more likely to be in contact with people who have the viruses that cause the cold or the flu.

According to “About.com” with so many people in such close contact, the likelihood of sharing these contagious germs is much higher. Not to mention that viruses such as the cold or the flu spread easier through dry air. When people have the heaters on in their homes, the air is much dryer, thus increasing the spread of viruses.

But there are ways to try to combat these viruses from attacking you. Tips from “WebMD” include washing your hands frequently, taking vitamins to keep your immune system top notch, drinking a lot of water, and avoiding people that seem to be sick, or feel as though they are becoming sick.

A common cold can lead to more serious matters. They are capable of triggering asthma, bronchitis, ear infections, pneumonia, and sinus infections. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates that between 35 to 50 million Americans will suffer the flu during flu season (November to March), and that children are at least twice as likely to contract the flu.

So it is not really the cold weather that “causes” the cold or the flu, it merely helps facilitate spreading the viruses. So if your parents ever told you that you would get sick from not wearing a jacket in the cold, they were misinformed. The two are not directly correlated.