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Why does running in the rain make me sick?

Two possibilities: Either you're pushing yourself too hard, or it's just unnaturally cold. "Exposure to superficial cold can result in the constriction of blood vessels in the lining of the nose and throat, which may impair immune function," says Dr Jason Chia, consultant sports physician at Changi Sports Medicine Centre and Singapore Sports Medicine Centre.

However, Dr Terence Tan, medical director at Shenton Medical Group offers one saving grace: Exercise also raises your core temperature, meaning your body acts to compensate. Also, not all flu-like symptoms may be the result of an infection. For instance, exposure to cold air gives you a runny nose, but you may not actually be sick, says Dr Chia.