Why Do We Get Sick When the Seasons Change?
Have you ever wondered why you always come down with a nasty cold or the flu when the season changes? Temperature changes might be the main reason for the sudden illness. Temperature affects the immune system's response to seasonal flu viruses. Reaserch has found that slightly cooler temperatures impair critical immune system proteins, allowing viruses to reproduce rapidly in your respiratory system. Moreover, flu viruses survive and spread faster during colder seasons.
When is the Flu Season?
The flu virus is technically present all year round. You can always come down with the flu. However, there are periods during the year when the flu virus is more active. The flu season in the United States is marked when the weather starts to cool down, mainly during the start of the fall and winter months can begin in October and start to peak from December through February..
What are the Causes of the Flu?
Every time there is a season change, people might start to feel a little under the weather. The drop in temperatures, especially during the start of the fall season, makes it easier for viruses to invade your body. A Yale study revealed that the flu viruses multiply rapidly in your nose when the temperatures dip below the average body temperature (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit). When the temperatures and humidity levels drop, viruses get stronger, and our immunity weakens, making it harder to fight the flu virus.
Different variables increase your risk of getting sick when the season changes. They may include:
1. A Change in Weather
You are more susceptible to becoming sick in colder temperatures. Common flu viruses, such as the human rhinovirus and the influenza virus, spread faster when there are low temperatures and drier air. Cold and dry air dries out the mucus membranes inside your nose and mouth that are responsible for preventing viruses from entering your body. A dry mucus membrane allows viruses to settle quickly in your body, increasing seasonal flu risks.
Also, inhaling cold air leads to the narrowing of blood vessels. The narrowing of the blood vessels makes it harder for the white blood cells to reach the mucous membrane. Thus, the body will have trouble fighting off the virus.
2. Reduced Immune Function
People spend most of their time indoors during the fall and winter. Cold temperatures force you inside, which can reduce the immune capabilities of your body. Your body needs vitamin D, which is vital in strengthening your immunity. A decrease in your time spent outside results in a reduction in the exposure to sunlight, which the body needs to produce vitamin D. A deficiency in vitamin D increases the chance of infection.
3. Exposure to Other People
The cold temperatures often mean that you spend more time indoors around more people, making the virus easier to spread. It will be easier for you to breathe air containing a virus (if there is an infected person) or touch surfaces with germs that can enter your body when you touch your face. Besides that, the air inside might be of poor quality due to inadequate ventilation, and the air might be dry due to its constant heating, which makes it a good breeding ground for viruses.
What are the Symptoms of the Flu?
Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and its symptoms typically appear suddenly. If you exhibit the following symptoms, you might have the flu:
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Vomiting and diarrhea, especially in children
How to You Protect Yourself from Seasonal Flu
What exactly can you do to stay healthy and avoid getting the flu?
1. Get Vaccinated
Getting a flu shot is one of the most effective ways of protecting yourself from the severity of the illness. It's hard to completely contain the flu virus as the strain changes every season, potentially making the flu shot you got last season obsolete. Besides that, your immune protection from vaccines declines over time. The CDC recommends that you go for a flu vaccine early in the season since it takes about two weeks to be effective.
2. Boost Your Immune System
Your immune system is responsible for fighting off flu viruses that can get you down. If you want your immune system to be strong, you should keep active and nourish your body with the right foods. Regular exercise will improve your blood flow and strengthen your immune system, which will help fight off the flu virus and even reduce your chances of getting the flu in the first place.
You should also eat food rich in vitamin D or take vitamin D supplements to help strengthen your immunity. Get enough sleep so that you wake up feeling rested. This allows your immune system to function more efficiently.
3. Check Your Hygiene
Practicing proper hygiene can protect you from flu viruses. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, avoid touching your face, wear a mask, clean and disinfect surfaces, and avoid close contact with sick people.
The flu virus survives and spreads effectively in cold weather conditions. The cold weather also increases your vulnerability to infections. You should therefore take preventive measures before the cold season starts by getting the flu shot, staying active, eating nutrient-dense foods, and maintaining basic hygiene.