The medical expert dispelled the popular myth about the connection between refusing to wear a head covering in cold weather and the risk of developing meningitis. Therapist Veronika Lisitskaya stated that walking without a hat in winter is not, in itself, a direct cause of this disease.
The doctor explained that meningitis, which is the inflammation of the membranes of the brain, is primarily caused by bacterial or viral infections. Cold temperatures, in themselves, do not contribute to the spread of the pathogens of the disease.
However, hypothermia can weaken the immune system and increase the likelihood of inflammatory diseases. For individuals with chronic ENT diseases, such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis, or sinusitis, walking without a hat in cold weather can provoke complications, including meningitis.
The specialist noted that, according to scientific data, a safe temperature for being outdoors without a hat is -5 degrees Celsius, provided the weather is dry and windless. In the case of precipitation or strong winds, wearing a head covering is recommended even at positive temperatures.
