Why respiratory illnesses spike in the winter
The arrival of colder weather also means the arrival of many respiratory virus cases. But why does this happen? An expert shares several factors that come into play.
“In the winter, certain viruses can survive longer in colder temperatures,” says Dr. John F. Nielsen, a family medicine physician with Aurora Health Care. “The air you breathe is also drier and colder which interferes with your body’s ability to keep viruses out of the upper respiratory tract, the first line of defense for your immune system.”
Dry conditions commonly associated with cold weather can cause water to evaporate more quickly from respiratory droplets produced when you cough or sneeze. This results in smaller particles that last longer in the air and travel farther distances.
“Another contributing factor is that protection from prior infection and vaccination diminishes over time,” Dr. Nielsen says. “This can result in more people being susceptible in the winter when viruses are at their peak.”
Many people also spend more time indoors during the colder months with less ventilation which gives viruses more opportunities to spread.
There are ways to help lower your risk of developing and spreading common viruses:
- Immunizations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s respiratory virus guidance provides recommendations on which vaccines you should receive based on your age group to lower your risk of illness.
- Hand hygiene. Washing your hands is easy and one of the more effective ways to prevent the spread of germs.
- Take steps for cleaner, more ventilated air. Open windows and get fresh air whenever possible.
- Treatment. Take recommended medications and treat the illness when you are sick.
- Stay home. This prevents you from spreading germs when you are sick or from being exposed to someone else who is sick.
- Use precautions. When you or those around you are sick, recently exposed to an illness or recovering from an illness, wear masks and use social distancing.
Unfortunately, viruses are here to stay. Taking simple and thoughtful actions will help protect you and your community from infection and serious illness.
