Gaby
We’ve all heard that going outside in winter with wet hair or without a coat can be dangerous because you might catch a cold.
However, the likelihood of winter illnesses is less about getting chilled and more about how cold weather makes it easier to catch respiratory viruses. For instance, lower temperatures are linked to higher rates of COVID-19 and flu, noted Libby Richards, a nursing professor at Purdue University in the U.S.
According to her, many viruses remain active longer and replicate more quickly in colder temperatures and lower humidity.
Additionally, in cold weather, we tend to spend more time indoors and in close contact with others. This creates conditions where the risk of infection increases.
Professor Richards pointed out that flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) show clear seasonality: they are easier to catch in the fall and winter.
Virus Transmission is Easier in Cold Weather
Cold can alter the outer membrane of the flu virus, making it hard and rubbery. Scientists believe this coating facilitates the virus’s transmission between people.
However, the issue isn’t just the cold winter air. Dry air is also associated with outbreaks of the flu. Dry conditions help the virus remain infectious for longer, according to Science Alert.
How the immune system responds to cold weather is also significant. Breathing in cold air can negatively affect the immune response in the respiratory tract, making it easier for viruses to take hold. This is why covering your nose and mouth with a scarf can help prevent colds: it warms the air you breathe in.
Moreover, most people get less sunlight in winter. This is a problem because sunlight is the primary source of vitamin D, which is essential for a healthy immune system.
During the colder months, physical activity also tends to decrease. According to Professor Richards, people are three times more likely to skip exercise in winter. Instead, they spend more time indoors, which usually means closer contact with others, often leading to viral illnesses.
Additionally, low temperatures and humidity contribute to drying out the eyes and the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. Viruses that are typically inhaled find it easier to attach to dried-out passages.
How to Protect Yourself?
There are proven strategies to help protect your body from illness during winter:
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Stay hydrated. Eight glasses of water a day is the optimal amount, but you can adjust it based on your lifestyle and body size.
- Maintain a balanced diet. Focus on dark leafy greens, eggs, and fatty fish like salmon, which are rich in omega-3 and vitamin D.
- Stay physically active.
- Get enough sleep.
- Wipe down hard surfaces in your home that are frequently touched.
- Use a humidifier if your nose or throat feels dry.
- Get your annual flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
Following these tips will help keep you healthy throughout the winter.
