Why we get sick more often in winter: The real cause isn't the cold
Photo: Why we get sick more often in winter (Freepik)
In winter, the number of flu and cold cases rises sharply, and falling temperatures are often blamed for getting sick.
The National Library of Medicine explains why our immune system weakens in winter and why we tend to fall ill more often.
What doctors say about frequent winter illnesses
However, modern research shows that cold itself does not cause infections. Instead, it creates conditions in which viruses can spread much more easily.
Scientists explain that influenza viruses and rhinoviruses remain viable for longer in cold, dry air.
In winter, air humidity decreases, causing droplets released during coughing or sneezing to evaporate faster and turn into smaller particles. These particles stay suspended in the air longer and can more easily enter the respiratory tract of other people.
Dry air also hurts the body. It dries out the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, reducing the amount of mucus that normally traps viruses and helps remove them from the body.
In addition, inhaling cold air causes blood vessels to constrict, which reduces blood circulation and weakens the immune response.
Enclosed spaces increase the risk of illness
Another factor is social behavior. In cold weather, people spend more time indoors, often in close contact with others. This leads to a buildup of viruses in the air and faster transmission.
Vitamin D levels also drop in winter due to a lack of sunlight, even though this vitamin plays a key role in supporting the immune system. People with asthma and other respiratory conditions are especially sensitive to cold weather.
Experts emphasize that walking outside without a jacket or sleeping in a cool room does not, by itself, cause illness. The decisive role is played by viruses and the conditions that help them spread
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