4 Reasons Why Cold Weather Can Affect Common Cold?

Why Cold Weather Can Affect Common Cold?

A rapid shift in the weather can cause certain illnesses. Cold weather can disturb a person’s immune and musculoskeletal system. A weak immune system makes it difficult for the body to fight off diseases. A low level of Vitamin D due to reduced exposure to the sun also makes the body prone to falling sick. Another reason can be the body gets adjusted to a certain climate and when it changes, it takes time for the body to adapt to the new weather. Sometimes, it gets difficult for the body to get used to climate change, this also triggers sickness.

 

Although cold weather and illness are linked to each other, it’s not a cool breeze that makes you sick. The main reason for falling sick is germs, cold air may add to situations that lead to infection. According to researchers, the cold weather results in poor immune response and make people more susceptible to common winter diseases. Here are various factors that can make you vulnerable to sickness in cold weather:

 

1.Lack of Vitamin D:

To get a daily dose of Vitamin D, regular exposure to sunlight is very essential for your immune health. If you are frequently falling sick during winters, deficiency of Vitamin D could be one of the reasons. Vitamin D is commonly known as Sunshine Vitamin. It helps the body in absorbing calcium and also takes care of your nerves and muscle health. Due to lack of sunlight during winters, the body catches a cold and flu often in winters.

2.Spending more time indoor:

During winters, we try to stay indoors as much as possible. When people stay together in enclosed places for a longer period of time to remain warm and avoid cold weather, this increases the chance of getting sick. We all touch the same surface, sneeze or cough in front of each other, therefore sharing space and less fresh air gives you more exposure to virus and germs. Any virus or bacteria lives longer indoors, as the air inside is less humid than outside. It is easy to inhale germs; therefore, the infection starts to transmit from one person to another

3.Few viruses Peak in cold weather:

Although we can catch the flu throughout the year, during winters and lower humidity, the infection survives better. The nose plays an important role in protecting you from infection. The nose contains tiny hair, which is the first line of defense against cold and stops germs, dust, and other particles to enter your nose. The cold weather reduces the immune response of your nose.

4.Narrowing of blood vessels:

When we breathe in cold and dry air, this results in the narrowing of the blood vessels. It gets very difficult for the white blood cells to reach the mucous membrane; therefore, the body is unable to fight off infection.

When to See a Doctor:

If you or anyone in the family has symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, cold, and cough, consult our team of health care experts at the Bansal Global Hospital. We at the Bansal Global Hospital have a team of specialized physicians who focuses on complete and integrated health care with a compassionate atmosphere.