Rain doesn't have to mean a washout

With all the rain of late, many people may be wondering if it's safe to embrace the weather and indulge in activities like playing or exercising in the rain. "So, rain itself does not make you sick," says Tanner Dunn, D.N.

P., a family nurse practitioner at Mayo Clinic Health System in Holmen, Wisconsin. "However, the effects that rain can have on your body can make you more susceptible to illness.



" While getting caught in the rain doesn't directly cause illness, it can lead to a decreased body temperature. This drop in temperature can create an environment where certain bacteria thrive and can weaken your , potentially leading to coldlike symptoms. Addressing concerns for individuals with immune system issues, Dunn notes that colds are caused by viruses, not by getting wet.

"If you're out in the rain for long periods, especially in very cold conditions, it might affect you. But running errands in the rain here and there doesn't significantly increase your risk," says Dunn. Regarding hypothermia, Dunn explains, "This time of year, we don't typically see much hypothermia because temperatures are generally warmer.

However, in colder months, both the outside temperature and the can increase the risk of hypothermia." For those who need to be outside in the rain, Dunn recommends several practical tips: Despite the potential risks, there are positive aspects to being out in the rain. "Many people find the sound of rain very therapeutic," says Dunn.

"Additionally, exercising in the r.