ORLANDO, Fla. – Winter is here, and so is flu and cold season. In Central Florida, temperatures fluctuate drastically during the winter season than any other season, and it seems that everyone around you is getting sick.
The big question is do people really get sick more often during the winter?
According to Dr. Ariel Mejia, an assistant professor and internist at UCF Health, the short answer is yes.
“Viruses like the flu, RSV and COVID all peak during the winter months,” Mejia explained. “But that’s not the only reason for higher chances of respiratory illness during the winter season. There are many factors at play such as human behavior.”
Cold Weather
Scientists discovered that cold weather does play a role in your immune response, especially within your nose.
Mejia explained there was a recent study that found when the tissue inside the nose cools down by a certain number of degrees, the immune response — the defenses of the nose — just get blunted, so it’s open season for viruses to come in.
Spending More Time Indoors
Let’s be honest, when it gets cold outside, many of us spend more time indoors, especially if we’re used to a tropical climate like Florida. While staying indoors keeps you warm and cozy, this can be a problem.
Bacteria tend to prefer environments that are similar to your body, warmer and moist, so being in an enclosed space increases your exposure to germs and viruses where the circulation and ventilation are limited versus being outdoors.
In indoor areas, there are also more surfaces for germs and bacteria to stay, Mejia said. “If someone sneezes into their hand and touches a door handle, that virus is going to stay there longer and be ready for the next person to grab that handle and more than likely catch that virus.”
Mejia said that some viruses peak in the winter months — including colds, flu, RSV and COVID. While you can get sick any time of the year, infections are highest from October to March.
Ways to Lower Your Risk of Getting Sick This Winter
According to Mejia, there are simple things that you can do to lower your risk of getting sick this winter:
- Wash your hands often and cover your coughs and sneezes.
- Wipe down frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.
- Drink water and eat well to build up your immune system.
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