Health
Debunking the Myth: Why Rain Doesn't Directly Cause Colds
A Thai medical expert clarifies that rainwater itself does not contain cold viruses, explaining why children often fall ill after exposure to rain.
On August 13, 2026, Khaosod Online reported on insights shared by Dr. Noppamet Srijarusit, an obstetrician known as 'Dr. Jean,' regarding a common misconception in Thailand. Many parents believe that getting caught in the rain is the direct cause of their children catching a cold. However, Dr. Noppamet clarified via his 'Klod Kub Mor Jean' Facebook page that rainwater is essentially pure H₂O and does not carry cold-causing viruses.
For residents and travelers in Thailand, this distinction is significant as it shifts the focus from the rain itself to the physiological reactions that occur when a child is exposed to it. While the doctor emphasizes that the water itself is not the culprit, he notes that the body's reaction to environmental changes during rain is what typically leads to illness.
Understanding this distinction may help parents manage their children's health more effectively during the rainy season. While the expert has debunked the myth that rain contains pathogens, the specific physiological mechanisms that trigger illness following exposure to rain remain a topic of medical discussion. Parents are encouraged to focus on immediate care practices if their children are caught in a downpour, rather than fearing the rain itself as a source of infection.