The key facts

  • Colds are caused by viruses, not by temperature fluctuations, but hypothermia can weaken the local immunity of the nasal mucosa
  • Real risk factors are contacts in children's groups, poor hygiene, and poorly ventilated rooms
  • Layering is recommended: a moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece middle layer, and a waterproof outer layer, plus dry waterproof footwear

Wet clothing by itself does not cause colds

Many parents fear that a child who sweats on an autumn walk will certainly get sick, but there is no direct link between wet clothing and infection. Pediatrician, hematologist, and expert at the Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology Andrey Korsunov told RIAMO about this. According to him, colds are caused by viruses, not by temperature fluctuations: without a pathogen, neither cold nor sweat can cause an ARVI.

Hypothermia still plays a role

At the same time, the specialist noted that hypothermia can reduce the local immunity of the nasal mucosa, making the body more vulnerable to infection if the pathogen is already nearby. Therefore, after active play, wet clothing should be changed to dry as soon as possible. He named real risk factors as contacts in close children's groups, failure to follow hygiene rules, and being in poorly ventilated rooms.

The layering principle and choosing clothing

So that the child does not overheat while running and does not freeze at rest, the doctor advises following the layering principle. The base layer should wick away moisture — it is better to choose synthetics or wool, avoiding cotton, which gets wet quickly and dries slowly. The middle layer is responsible for thermoregulation: a fleece jacket or jumper makes it easy to remove an extra layer. The outer layer protects from precipitation and wind — in autumn, waterproof jackets and trousers are desirable, since wet clothing accelerates heat loss.

Headwear and footwear

According to the expert, headwear is necessary in bad weather, and for toddlers — already at the first signs of colder weather. Special attention should be paid to footwear: it must be waterproof, and socks must be dry, since wet feet freeze instantly.