The forecast for Knoxville calls for a temperature fluctuation of 30 degree highs over the next week, but some say such changes can make you sick. Dr. Bob Overholt says that isn't true.
"The wive's tales are 'put on your rain coat, put on your boots or you're going to get a cold.' That's really not true and studies have shown that," Dr. Bob said. "The immune system prepared itself for changes in temperature, for changes in weather."
Viruses are commonly spread in the winter because of the amount of time people inside and in close contact, not because of the temperature.
However, with warming temperatures through Thursday, people with certain allergies could see flare ups.
"When the temperature suddenly goes up and there's dampness, it's a perfect time for mold spores to be in the air and people that are sensitive, when they go outside, they'll breathe in the mold. If they're allergic to that, then they can have the allergic response which is similar to a common cold," Dr. Bob said.
Dr. Bob says dust mite allergies are also worse in the winter, and since allergy symptoms and common cold symptoms are similar, they are often confused.
"There's no real change in regular weather going outside versus when you go outside and the temperature is 40 on day and it's 55 the next," Dr. Bob said. "It really doesn't make any difference to the body's immune system and for preventing a common cold."