Why People Get More Colds in Winter

Why do people get more colds in the winter?

Who Libby Richards & Interview USA

The following text is reprinted with the user’s permission The conversationan online publication featuring the latest research.

You’ve probably heard the saying “Don’t go outside in the winter with wet hair or without a coat; you will catch a cold.’

That’s not exactly true. As with many things, the reality is more complicated. Here’s the distinction: Being cold is not why you catch a cold. But it is true that cold weather makes it easier to catch respiratory viruses like colds and flu.

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Research also shows that it is associated with lower temperatures Higher rates of COVID-19.

as a nursing teacher With a background in public health, I’m often asked about the spread of infectious diseases, including the relationship between the common cold and the common cold. So here’s what actually happens.

Many viruses, among others rhinovirus– The common culprit of colds – influenza, and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, remain infectious longer and replicate more quickly in cold temperatures and at lower humidity levels. This, along with people spending more time indoors and in close contact with others in cold weather, are common for germs to be more likely to spread.

The the flu and respiratory syncytial virusor RSV, they tend to have a he has defined the autumn and winter seasons. However, with new variants of COVID-19 and immunity from previous infections and vaccines waning over time, COVID-19 is not a typical cold-weather respiratory virus. For example, the infection rates of COVID-19 They have increased every summer since 2020.

Virus transmission is easier when it’s cold

More specifically, the cold weather can do it change the outer membrane of the flu virus, making it stronger and more rubbery. Scientists think so the rubber coating makes the person-to-person transmission virus easier.

It’s not just the cold winter air that causes a problem. In addition to the cold, dry air has been linked to flu outbreaks. Because that’s dry winter air it also helps the flu virus stay infectious longer. The dry air common in winter causes the water found in respiratory droplets to evaporate more quickly. This creates smaller particles, which are able to it lasts longer and travels farther after coughing or sneezing.

How your immune system responds to cold weather is also important. Breathing cold air it can impair the immune response in your airways, which makes it easier for viruses. That’s why wearing a scarf over your nose and mouth can help prevent colds by warming the air you breathe.

Also, most people get less sunlight in the winter. That is a problem, indeed The sun is the main source of vitamin Dwhich is essential for immune system health. Physical activity, another factor, tends to decrease in the winter. It’s the people three times more likely to delay exercise in snow or ice conditions.

Instead, people spend more time indoors. This usually means closer contact with others, which leads to the spread of the disease. Respiratory viruses in general, it extends in a radius of 6 meters of an infected person.

In addition, cold temperatures and low humidity dry the eyes and the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. Because the viruses that cause colds, flu, and COVID-19 are usually inhaled, the virus can more easily adhere to these narrowed and dry passages.

What you can do

As a result, being wet and cold doesn’t make you sick. In this way, there are strategies to help prevent diseases throughout the year:

By following these tips you can ensure a healthy winter season.

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