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Why is it that food has to be refrigerated to keep it from germs, but if our body catches a cold it gets germs?

Sarah Jenkins
Sarah Jenkins
Lead Content Curator · Jan 9, 2026 · Updated Apr 13, 2026

When our bodies get cold, our immune systems get weaker. So cold viruses have a better chance of infecting us (especially when everyone around you is sick). As for food, bacteria tends to breed best between 40-140°F (5-60°C).

48
Words

1 min
Read Time

#316
of 500 in Science

-33%
vs Category Avg

The Short Answer

When our bodies get cold, our immune systems get weaker. So cold viruses have a better chance of infecting us (especially when everyone around you is sick). As for food, bacteria tends to breed best between 40-140°F (5-60°C). So it's best to keep food below 40°F

Analysis

Key Concepts: Cold, food, best

This explanation focuses on cold, food, best and spans 48 words across 4 sentences. At 33% below the average Science explanation (72 words), the answer takes a direct, no-frills approach — sometimes the simplest explanation is the most effective.

What This Answer Covers

The explanation opens with: “When our bodies get cold, our immune systems get weaker.” It then elaboratesultimately building toward a complete picture across 4 connected points.

How This Compares in Science

Ranked #316 of 500 Science questions by answer depth (top 64%). This is in the concise tier — a focused explanation that prioritizes clarity over exhaustiveness. Many readers prefer this level of directness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a simple explanation for why it that food has to be refrigerated to keep it from germs, but if our body catches a cold it gets germs?

When our bodies get cold, our immune systems get weaker. So cold viruses have a better chance of infecting us (especially when everyone around you is sick). As for food, bacteria tends to breed best between 40-140°F (5-60°C). So it's best to keep…

How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Science questions?

This is a focused answer at 48 words, ranked #316 of 500 Science questions by depth. The key concepts covered are cold, food, best.

What approach does this answer take to explain it that food has to be refrigerated to keep it from germs, b?

The explanation uses direct explanation across 48 words. It is categorized under Science and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.