YSK that cold temperatures don’t cause illness; germs do

Higher illness rates in winter aren’t due to going out without a coat like your Granny claims. Illnesses occur at a higher rate in cold months because cold temps help make viruses more stable and therefore more virulent (infective).

Note that this works both ways: bundling up won’t protect you from the flu either. If you want to protect yourself, get vaccinated and wash your hands frequently. For those who are really concerned, flu masks can and do protect you.

So, feel free to go out with wet hair or to quit fighting with your kid about coat/hat/gloves. Unless frostbite is a real concern, the only consequence they’ll suffer is some discomfort.