Winter illnesses are a common occurrence, primarily because of a combination of colder weather and increased indoor activity.
During the winter months, people tend to spend more time in enclosed spaces, where viruses can easily spread. Respiratory illnesses, such as the flu and the common cold, are more common in colder weather. Lower temperatures can weaken the immune system. This makes people more likely to get infections.
Why Do You Get Sick More Often During the Winter Months?
During the winter months, many people tend to get sick more often, and several factors contribute to this trend:
- Cold Weather: Cold temperatures can weaken the immune system. When cold temperatures expose the body, it can use energy from the immune system to keep warm. This makes it more likely to get sick.
- Indoor Crowding: People tend to spend more time indoors during winter to avoid the cold. Being closer together can help viruses spread, like the flu and colds. These viruses spread through respiratory droplets.
- Lower Humidity: Winter air is typically drier, both outdoors and indoors, because of heating systems. Low humidity can dry out the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract. This makes them less effective at blocking infections.
- Vitamin D Deficiency: In winter, many people get less sunlight. This can lead to lower vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is important for a healthy immune system. A deficiency can impair the immune system, making individuals more prone to infections.
- Increased Stress: The holiday season can cause stress for many people. This can affect health and weaken the immune system. Stress can lead to various physiological changes that may increase susceptibility to illness.
- Seasonal Viruses: Certain viruses, such as influenza and norovirus, are more prevalent during winter months. These viruses have adjusted to colder weather. They spread more during this time, causing more illnesses.
Does Cold Weather Really Cause Illnesses?
Cold weather doesn’t directly cause illnesses. However, it can create conditions that make us more likely to get sick.
In winter, people often stay indoors and close to each other. This makes it easier for viruses to spread.
Cold air can dry out the mucous membranes in our respiratory system. This makes it easier for viruses to enter and cause infections.
Seasonal changes in immune function may also matter. Some studies suggest that vitamin D levels can drop in winter. This happens because there is less sunlight. Lower vitamin D levels may weaken the immune response.
However, the myth that cold weather can cause an illness is untrue.
What are the Most Common Winter Illnesses?
The most common winter illnesses include:
- Common Cold
- Flu (Influenza)
- Respiratory Infections
- RSV
- Stomach Flu (Gastroenteritis)
- Sinusitis & Sinus Infections
- Norovirus
- COVID-19
- Strep Throat
- Pink Eye
How to Avoid Getting Sick in the Winter?
To avoid getting sick in the winter, consider these helpful tips:
- Boost Your Immune System
- Stay Hydrated
- Regular Exercise
- Get Plenty of Sleep
- Wash Your Hands
- Avoid Close Contact
- Keep Warm
- Vaccinate yourself
- Humidify Your Home
- Manage Stress
- Wear a mask when in public areas
- Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing
- Avoid touching your face
By following these tips, you can lower your risk of getting sick during the winter months!
When to Visit an Urgent Care for Illness Treatment?
When to visit an urgent care for illness treatment can depend on several factors, such as:
- Is the illness non-life-threatening?
- Availability of services, such as urgent care, which are open longer hours than PCP and specialist offices.
- Rapid testing, such as Flu, Strep Throat, Mono, COVID-19, and more, is available on site.
- Low-Dose X-Rays are available to determine a multitude of ailments.
- Get antibiotics for infections and prescriptions for other symptom treatment.
- Nebulizer treatments for respiratory conditions.
If you are sick and need care for your symptoms, don’t wait. Visit an urgent care today to get prompt medical treatment.
