Why You Get Sicker In The Winter

The flu and the common cold can cause various uncomfortable symptoms. While most cases resolve on their own, the flu, unfortunately, claims between 290,000 and 650,000 lives annually.

Scientists believe they may have discovered the cause of the seasonal increase in respiratory illnesses. It appears that the immunological reaction taking place in your nose is harmed by the frigid air, but how so?

What Happens When Viruses Invade My Nasal Cavity?

Viruses enter your nose through two main routes:

• Inhalation: Breathing in air containing virus particles.
• Direct Contact: Touching a contaminated surface and then touching your nose.

When viruses are detected, nasal cells release small fluid-filled sacs, known as “extracellular vesicles” (EVs). They quickly move into the mucus to surround the invadors. The particles within EVs, known as microRNA, destroy the viruses before they can attach to the nasal cells and cause an infection.

How Does the Winter Season Affect My Body’s Defense Mechanisms?

A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology indicated that your immune response is greatly impaired by cooler temperatures, particularly during the winter.

Researchers subjected nasal tissues to temperatures of 39.9°F (4.4°C) and discovered that this resulted in an approximate 9°F (5°C) drop in tissue temperature, with significant immune system ramifications.

The reduced temperature can significantly lower your nose's natural immune response. This results in a decrease of over 40% in the production of extracellular vesicles (EVs), essential immune cells that combat viruses and bacteria. Additionally, the quality of these EVs is compromised, further weakening your defense against infections.

With a diminished immune response, viruses can more easily adhere to and invade your nasal cells. Once inside, the virus can multiply and spread infection. This increased vulnerability, coupled with the reduced effectiveness of your immune system, contributes to the rise in viral infections during winter months.

Flu vs Common Cold: Symptoms

The flu and the common cold are both infectious respiratory illnesses, but they are brought on by distinct viruses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The common cold can be brought on by a variety of viruses, including rhinoviruses, parainfluenza, and seasonal coronaviruses, but the flu is only brought on by influenza viruses.

While flu symptoms might develop suddenly, common cold symptoms can develop gradually. General symptoms that distinguish the difference between the common cold and the flu include the following:

Typically, cold symptoms continue for approximately 1 week. You are infectious during the first 3 days after developing cold symptoms. You should stay at home and get some rest as you can spread the cold to others.

On the other hand, symptoms of the flu frequently appear fast. About 1-7 days after coming into contact with the virus, you may begin to feel ill. In most cases, symptoms start to show up in 2-3 days. The flu is quite contagious. In a relatively short period of time, it can have an impact on a sizable number of individuals

Avoid Getting Sick

You may practice certain routines to keep healthy during this winter and stop the spread of illnesses, including the following:

• Avoid making direct contact with others, especially those who may appear to be sick or ill. If necessary, remain at home while you are unwell and avoid contact with others to prevent spreading your condition.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and/or eyes.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
• Keep dirty hands away from your face.
• Ensure that you've received a flu vaccination this year.
• Adopt more healthy lifestyles, such as receiving sufficient rest, engaging in regular exercise, drinking enough water, and eating healthy. Individuals with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep will have a stronger immune system.