Why do you get sick from the cold?

Isn't a "cold" from some type of pathogen? Ugh. Last night I went out without a coat in 20 degree weather and now I have a terrible cold starting.
I believe most colds are viral. Also, I do not think there is any correlation between going out into the cold weather and actually getting a cold. Same with going out into the cold weather with wet hair and getting a cold. Maybe you already had a little something going on and the cold weather physiologically prompted the symptoms (dilated vessels in the nose, dry mucous membranes, etc. can all "help" a virus take advantage of it's host). Snuggle up, drink some tea, and take it easy

Colds are viruses, not caused by the cold weather. Feel better soon!!

They are viral...not caused by weather. They are more frequent in the colder months due to the fact you have more intimate contact with large groups people that are indoors in confined spaces....than in summer months when time is out doors. It is believed that the lack of humidity and the dryness produced by heating "damages" the moistness of the respiratory tract making you more susceptible to infection. since they are more frequent during the colder months before they knew about pathogens and they were during the cold months....they were called colds.... hence the assumption that the cold caused them. Extreme exposure to dampness and cold can suppress the immune system making one more susceptible to infection.While it had nothing to do with going out without a coat...it was just going out period that made you susceptible. Last night has nothing to do with you getting a cold today....you picked this up a few days ago probably while you were wearing a coat.Common cold - MayoClinic.com((HUGS)) feel better.

Are you a nurse or nursing student? If so, you should already know about the pathogen that causes the common cold (usually a rhinovirus), as well as the incubation period of the cold (you probably "caught" your cold about two or three days ago, not last night). Hope you feel better soon.

I'm a student. And I know that the cold is a virus. But it just seems to happen way to often to be a coincidence :/Oh and I don't think we ever went over something as simple as a cold in nursing school....

While it seems that there is a direct correlation.....there isn't. It boils down to "tis the Season!" for cough and colds and your best defense is good hand washing and keep your hands away from your face. Does you school require microbiology and the spread of disease? These are valuable courses when looking at the spread of disease.Most Viruses have a 3-5 day window of incubation before the inst on symptoms. It is not likely that your coat less escapade led to you feeling poor this morning.According to Medscape my favoutite resource......http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/227820-clinicalRhinoviruses (RVs) are members of the Picornaviridae family, which includes the human pathogens enterovirus and hepatovirus (notably, hepatitis A virus). More than 100 different subtypes exist in 3 major groups, categorized according to receptor specificity: intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors, and sialoprotein cell receptors. RV infections are chiefly limited to the upper respiratory tract but may cause otitis media and sinusitis; they may also exacerbate asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, and serious lower respiratory tract illness in infants, elderly persons, and immunocompromised persons.[1, 2] Although infections occur year-round, the incidence is highest in the fall and the spring. Of persons exposed to the virus, 70-80% have symptomatic disease. Most cases are mild and self-limited.

Have you learned anything about incubation periods with illnesses? Have you taken microbiology yet?

I learn about colds/flus in my nursing program. I'm an LVN & went to a community college.

Yes I've taken micro, maybe I've forgotten... Yikes.I really thought I might of been missing some patho about the cold having and effect. I don't know, I'm feeling a little stupid now haha.

You dont!!!

Think about microbiology. There is a reason that the majority of organisms need an incubator (warm environment, sometimes warm moist) to grow. Cold actually impedes growth of most microorganisms. If I recall correctly the cold tolerant microbes are generally only found in the coldest areas like the arctic/Antarctic continents not in suburban winter environments.

I once had a youngish pt. (in his 20s). He had SOB with a cough for a month with blood tinged sputum. Tx with ABX for PNA did not improve his symptoms. Long story short, he had a PE--which took a while to dx since he had no apparent risk factors. I was there when the grandmother was in the room...he comment to the pt: "I knew you would get sick. This is what you deserve for walking outside in the cold without a jacket." Ugh.