You’ve probably heard “don’t go out in winter with wet hair or without a coat; You’re going to catch a cold.” That’s not exactly true. Like most things, the reality is more complicated. Here’s the difference: Being cold doesn’t necessarily cause you to catch a cold. But it’s true that cold weather makes it easier to catch respiratory viruses like colds and flu.
Research also shows that lower temperatures are associated with higher COVID-19 rates.
As a professor of nursing with a background in public health, I am often asked about the spread of infectious diseases, including the relationship between the common cold and the common cold. So here’s a look at what actually happens.
Many viruses, including rhinovirus—the A common culprit for the common cold – Influenza, and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, remain infectious for long periods of time and replicate rapidly in cold temperatures and low humidity levels. This, along with the fact that people spend more time indoors and in close contact with others during cold weather, are common reasons that germs are more likely to spread.
Flu and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, have a defined fall and winter seasonality. However, due to the emergence of new COVID-19 variants and the waning of immunity from previous infections and vaccines over time, COVID-19 is not a typical cold-weather respiratory virus. As a case in point, the rate of COVID-19 infections has increased every summer since 2020.
Cold makes it easier for viruses to spread
More specifically, cold weather can alter the outer membrane of the influenza virus, making it more solid and rubbery. Scientists believe that the rubbery coating makes it easier for the virus to spread from person to person.
Cold winter air isn’t the only thing that causes problems. Dry air in addition to cold has been linked to flu outbreaks. That’s because dry winter air helps the influenza virus stay infectious longer. Dry air, which is common in winter, rapidly evaporates the water found in respiratory droplets. This results in small particles, which are able to last longer and travel far when coughed or sneezed.
How your immune system reacts to cold weather is also of great importance. Breathing in cold air can adversely affect the immune response in your respiratory tract, making it easier to catch viruses. So wearing a scarf over the nose and mouth can help Prevent cold Because it warms the air you breathe.
Also, many people get less sun in the winter. This is a problem because the sun is a major source of vitamin D, which is essential for immune system health. Physical activity, another factor, also decreases during winter. People are three times more likely to delay exercising when it’s snowy or icy.
Instead, people spend more time indoors. This usually means close contact with others, which spreads the disease. Respiratory viruses are usually spread within 6 feet of an infected person.
Additionally, cold temperatures and low humidity dry out your eyes and the mucous membranes in your nose and throat. Because the viruses that cause colds, flu and COVID-19 are usually inhaled, the virus can more easily attach itself to these vulnerable, dry-out passages.
If your nose or throat gets dry in the winter, consider using a humidifier (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
What can you do?
The bottom line is that being wet and cold won’t make you sick. That being said, there are strategies to help prevent disease throughout the year:
– Wash your hands frequently.
-Avoid touching your face, which people do nine to 23 times an hour.
– Stay hydrated. Eight glasses of water a day is a good goal, but that can be more or less depending on lifestyle and a person’s size.
– Eat a balanced diet. Dark green, leafy vegetables are rich in vitamins that support the immune system, while eggs, fortified milk, salmon and tuna contain vitamin D.
-Be physically active even in winter.
– Get enough sleep.
– Clean hard, high-touch surfaces in your home frequently.
-If you have a dry nose or throat in the winter, consider using a humidifier.
– Get yours Annual flu and the COVID-19 vaccine.
By following these tips you can ensure a healthy winter season.
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