At some point in your life, you’ve probably been told to bundle up to avoid getting sick during the winter. When the cold air comes, so does the common cold. At least, that’s what our parents or relatives have said. However, is there any truth to this, or is this all based on speculation?
If you’re wondering about the science behind winter weather and sickness, here is a guide to help you. Below, you’ll find the truth behind this belief and other health problems that may arise during cold seasons. So, without further ado, here is everything you need to know:
Cold Weather and Your Health
The winter weather won’t make you sick, but it does make you vulnerable to getting one. Once the cold sets in and you don’t take extra precautions, you’d have set the stage to decrease your immunity and catch an illness.
Why Is the Cold Season Called Flu Season?
According to research, viruses replicate faster at colder temperatures as the inside of your nasal cavity becomes their ideal breeding ground. Although your body would have an average temperature of 91.4 degrees Fahrenheit, your nasal cavity will have a lower temperature, allowing the virus to exploit your vulnerability.
During the cold weather, the air outdoors and indoors are both dry, which makes it easier for the virus to spread more quickly. Moreover, millions of people develop the common cold during the winter, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States.
The same goes for a study conducted in Finland. Here, breathing cold air also contributes to the spread of the virus into the lungs. Considering these, you could say the cold contributes to your body’s vulnerability, although it doesn’t necessarily mean that breathing in cold air will immediately make you sick.
What Is the Common Flu?
The common flu can range from 200 different viruses. Each virus can cause different strains in the body and degrees of fever, cough, and congestion. With such, it’s essential to contact your doctor and determine the virus you have.
Doing so will make it easier to learn how to get rid of a cold in 24 hours effectively. It will help you tackle the root of the problem with the help of your doctor and by knowing the virus type.
For example, getting rid of a cold due to a rhinovirus and a parainfluenza virus may differ. Rhinoviruses can rarely make you feel miserable, and they occur mainly during the fall, summer, and spring. On the other hand, parainfluenza viruses are responsible for the seasonal flu, and they can sometimes lead to severe infections.
Other Reasons Why You’re Likely To Get Sick
Aside from the virus spreading faster during the cold weather and your body being susceptible, there are other reasons you’re likely to get sick during the winter weather.
You’re Mostly Staying Indoors
Staying indoors can lead to disadvantages during the cold weather. Here, poorly ventilated rooms and less humid rooms can lead to higher risks of getting sick. In a 2021 study, students who resided in a crowded dormitory room with dampness issues and low ventilation had more influenza infections. Moreover, the study found that the germs in the droplets survive longer.
Additionally, such an environment makes it easier for the virus to live on sink faucets, doorknobs, keyboards, remote controls, and other items that are constantly held. With this, frequent hand washing becomes an absolute must.
Having Cold Feet
Cold feet can dictate whether or not you contract a common cold. In a study at Cardiff University in England, cold feet may lower one’s immune system as the coldness can cause the nose’s blood vessels to constrict. Moreover, the study compared 90 students who placed their feet in cold water for 20 minutes with students who didn’t. Over the next five days, those with cold feet also contracted a common cold.
Reduce Your Chances of Getting A Cold
Aside from frequent hand washing, it’s also important to wash or disinfect surfaces, toys, or household items to get rid of the virus’ breeding ground. Moreover, it’s also ideal to avoid contact with those who have symptoms of the cold.
Additionally, you should never neglect your nutrition and hydration. During the colder months, you must drink water and avoid feeling thirsty. Doing so will help you combat the dry air. Likewise, eating fruits, vegetables, and protein will also help you in the long run. It’s also wise to drink your vitamins during this period.
Other Health Problems During Winter Weather
You’ll not only be susceptible to the common cold, but other health problems may arise during the winter. Again, the cold isn’t the sole cause of the problem, but our body’s vulnerability to the cold.
Here, conditions like frostbite or hypothermia may arise; however, these will only occur in icy conditions. If you’re constantly exposed without protective gear, you may experience frostbite numbing and pain in the affected area. On the other hand, hypothermia occurs when you experience shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination or slowed breathing.
Final Thoughts
Although the cold weather won’t make you sick, it doesn’t mean you should take it easy during the winter. During this time, it’s always best to prepare and reduce the risk of catching the virus. It’s always important to take care of yourself, especially during changing climates.
