Was "Going outside with wet hair will give you a cold" taught in school?

Yes. This health idea was commonly taught, especially during the 1970s.

Is "Going outside with wet hair will give you a cold" still taught in school?

Colds are caused by viruses, not by being chilled or having damp hair. Cold weather may keep people indoors together, but infection still requires exposure to a pathogen.

What you were taught

Going outside with wet hair will give you a cold

What we know now

Colds are caused by viruses, not by being chilled or having damp hair. Cold weather may keep people indoors together, but infection still requires exposure to a pathogen.

Updated understanding emerged around 1985

Source Comment

Health

Common questions

Was "Going outside with wet hair will give you a cold" taught in school?: Yes. This health idea was commonly taught, especially during the 1970s.
Is "Going outside with wet hair will give you a cold" true?: No. Colds are caused by viruses, not by being chilled or having damp hair.
When was this understanding updated?: Updated understanding emerged around 1985.

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