The winter season creates additional concerns for many parents. As cold and flu viruses make their rounds through your swimmer's schools, many parents worry that swimming in cold weather will contribute to the likelihood of illness. Many old wives tales exist about children's health and the weather.  Hopefully, the following information will help clarify the difference between popular mythology and health basics. 

Myth: Swimming, cold, and wind may cause ear infections.

Fact:  Middle ear infections (otitis media), common in small children, are caused by viruses and infectious colds. Typically, fluid from the Eustachian tubes in the ear drain through the nose and throat.  During illness,  passages constrict and the fluid builds up and may become infected.  Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is an infection in the ear canal. The actual cause of swimmer's ear seems to be a combination of factors.  Warm humid air, warm water, length of time exposed to water, the natural enzymatic activity in the ear canal and the presence of bacteria are factors that predispose  the ear to swimmer's ear.

Myth:  Sudden changes in temperature or getting caught in the rain will cause colds.

Fact:  If one becomes ill after experiencing these weather conditions, the illness is a coincidence.  Viruses cause colds, not weather.  Changes in weather conditions may, however, cause allergies to flare up. Sneezing and runny noses lasting a few days are indicators of an allergic reaction; colds last about 10 days. If fact, the warm air of the pool my actually help with breathing, if the child feels up to a lesson.  Studies have shown that children that are active during the winter tend to develop fewer colds.

Additional information can be found on the following websites....

Pediatric Journal of Medicine

Winter Swimming and Illness

Will going out with wet hair really cause a cold??

Swimmer's Ear Information