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The common cold is one of the few problems in the western world that we just cannot fix.  We can transplant a heart, grow an ear on a mouse and build mechanical kidneys (dialysis machines), but we cannot cure the common cold; all we can do is avoid it.

Passionate cyclists are well aware of the benefits of cycling gloves, but as the British winter sets in, even the weekend cyclist is starting to recognise the benefits.  Under normal circumstances it is good to wear gloves in the winter due to the fact you are going to get very uncomfortable being outside for extended periods without them.  It comes to a head more when you are cycling because the cold air is rushing over your fingers and knuckles making them cold.  These cold spots are like little cooling systems, moving cold blood into your body, making you more susceptible to a common cold.

The many forms of bacteria and virus that cause the common cold and flu thrive in temperatures just slightly lower than normal body temperature.  This is why people get a fever when they are sick with a cold and flu, because the body knows that the virus and bacteria causing the problems do not like the warm.  The most sensible form of action is to avoid the common cold all together.  Cover your hands with good cycling gloves, cover your ears, cover your nose, and keep the cold off your chest too. 

The good news for cyclists

An avid cyclist, or even a weekend cyclist, will recover from a cold faster than other people.  The link between physical fitness and the recuperation times is well established, and cyclists tend to be physically fit.  You may be surprised to hear, that even overweight people whom cycle on a weekend, are actually slicing in half the time it will take them to recover from the common cold, and other common health issues.  As all cyclists know, to ride a bike regularly you need an awful amount of stamina and endurance.  Riding a bike will increase these two qualities within your own body; the same two qualities that are ideal for ill health recuperation.  So even if you are riding your bike with a pork pie in one hand, with your other hand clutching the handle bars with a bag of crisps, you are still going to recover from a cold faster than if you were not cycling.

So play it safe and wrap up warm.  Cover your extremities, especially when there is cold weather and frost.  A good jacket, head covering and cycling gloves are a must.  You may feel a little silly at first, wrapped up like a Christmas present, but you will look far sillier with a runny nose, seeping eyes and a headache.