On Wed, 18 Feb 2004 12:01:52 GMT, "Murgi" <srindler@da2.so-net.ne.jp>
posted the following:

>I wrote:
>> 6. That colds are caused by a virus (rather than by dry air)
>>
>
>What do you mean here? That has not much to do with Japan...

I had never heard of the idea that dry air caused colds before I came
to Japan, and I've never seen such obsessive usage of humidifiers and
masks (which are supposed to moisten the air) before.

The supposed explanation that I've heard from people is that the germs
"stick to your throat" if the air is dry.  This is also why gargling
is supposed to help prevent colds -- because it removes the germs that
gather at the back of your throat.  It all sounds like nonsense to me.

-Chris