I think the idea is that you are more likely to get sick when you are cold because your immune system is weakened. But you’re right, it sounds kind of like an old wives tale to me but who knows
It think it also has to do with blood circulation, when in cold environments your body restricts bloodflow to certain areas, making it also have less white blood cells
Also people being indoors more in close proximity to others. So really getting out into the cold might be better than being inside. Wearing a jacket to keep warm lets you stay outside more.
People do polar plunges into cold water, outside in the winter in order to strengthen their immune systems.
They don't stay there long term. That is thermal shock. Chronic stress is bad. Short bursts of stress is good.
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