But when you're overly stressed for weeks or months at a time it overtaxes your endocrine system. This means your immune system isn't as effective at fighting off illness.
That's why regulating stress and depression through exercise and meditation is important for fending off infectious viruses like the cold and flu. While cold weather isn't going to make you sick, a rapid change in the weather could make a difference. In a study published in the journal Viruses, researchers found that a drop in humidity paired with a rapid temperature change over several days before viral exposure increased the risk of infection.
The researchers suggested it could be because the cold air dries out the mucous membranes, which line your eyes, ears, and the insides of your mouth and nose. These membranes are responsible for preventing viruses, harmful bacteria, and other pathogens from entering your body, so when they dry out, that leaves you more susceptible to infection. So in the winter, when temperatures plummet overnight, say, because of a storm, it may not make you sick directly, but unstable weather patterns can increase your risk.
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Evidence for the Health Claim There is no doubt that respiratory infections such as colds and the flu occur more often during the fall and winter months. Evidence Against the Health Claim It is clear that viruses and bacteria, not cold or wet weather, cause infections. Conclusion Being exposed to cold, wet weather, in and of itself, will not cause you to contract infections.
Cancer Care. Emergency Services. Cesarean Birth. Imaging Services. High Blood Pressure. While these behaviors can lead to frostbite or hypothermia, can they also make a person more likely to pick up a virus? Some research suggests the answer is yes.
If being cold can make you sick, it might seem like staying inside is your safest choice. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to influenza A and a weakened immune system , plus a variety of health issues, including fatigue, general achiness and even cancer.
Dry winter air is great for the flu virus — and not so great for you. Research shows that dry winter air allows the flu virus to spread. Air inside your home also tends to also be dry in the winter due to heating, and this can dry out your nasal passages, making them less effective at fighting off viruses. Plus, viruses spread more easily through dry air because fewer water molecules are available to interfere with their projection through the air when expelled through a sneeze or cough.
The flu, which is caused by influenza viruses, also spreads and causes illness around the same time as the common cold. Because these two illnesses have similar symptoms, it can be difficult or even impossible to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Flu can also have very serious complications. CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccination as the first and best way to prevent the flu.
If you get the flu, antiviral drugs may be a treatment option. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. CDC Features. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Common Colds: Protect Yourself and Others. Minus Related Pages. More Information.
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