Alex O'Brien
Body

Does cold weather actually cause the flu?

Do you believe that winter is “cold and flu season”? It may interest you to know that the risk of these viruses actually lives all through the year. Without knowing or realising it, every day our immune system is fighting a battle against the cold and flu, despite the weather conditions.

What makes us more prone to falling ill in the colder months is entirely due to environmental circumstances, rather than an increase in the presence of bacteria in colder climates. Dr. Sorano Segul-Maurer of Infectious Disease at New York Hospital explains that isn’t actually cold weather the causes the common cold, it’s how we behave in cold weather.

"When the weather turns cold," she says, "we all run indoors, where air is recycled and we're often in close quarters with other people and viruses. We all sneeze on top of each other."

It has also been suggested that it comes down to not making the same healthy decisions we do in the warmer months. The daily decisions we make, such as skipping your walk on a rather chilling morning, or opting for a hearty pasta over a plate of vegetables, are all it takes to make a difference to your immune system.

We may put it down to needing a little bit of extra comfort at this time of year, but you could be sniffling before you know it.

Sheila Zhou, expert Scientist at USANA, shares her tips on how to stay your usually healthy self during winter and decrease your risk of catching the flu.

1. Exercise

You may not feel like it, but always exercise regularly, even when it’s cold out. Sheila Zhou explains “This is crucial, as physical activities may help release bacteria out of your lungs and airways, reducing your chances of getting a cold or flu”.

2. Vitamins and supplements

Remember, since you’ll be around a lot of other sick people, this is more important at this time of year. “Remember to take an immune boosting supplement, Reishi and Shiitake mushrooms are known to enhance immunity and have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to strengthen vitality,” says Sheila.

3. Sleep

Don’t let the cold wake you up at night. Pile on those blankets, fill up a hot water bottle and try to warm up the house before you go to bed. According to Sheila, “a lack of sleep can cause an impaired immune system. Sleep is one of the key factors that help keeping immune cells healthy that our body needs to fight sickness”.

4. Manage stress

“Over analysing everything will only lead to stress, so do your best to avoid it. Stress weakens the immune system and can lead to chronic conditions including diabetes, heart disease and even cancer”.

5. Get regular check-ups

This is always important for over-60s, but even more so when you’re dealing with being around a community of people who are sick. “Visiting the doctor regularly for an annual check-up will keep you updated on the health status of your body”. Sheila explains. “Medical check-ups will show what your body is lacking and help you make an informed decision to address any potential health concern”.

6. Eat well

Think twice about that carbonara! Is it really doing you the good you need? “Remember to eat a healthy diet filled with fruits, veggies and whole grains. Eating the right food with a balance of all essential vitamins and minerals will help keep your immune system strong and healthy”.  

How do you take measures to prevent the flu in winter? Let us know in the comments below.

Related links:

How to protect your ears from the cold

Easy steps to beat winter bugs

Surprising reason you get sick at same as your partner

Tags:
winter, health, weather, cold, flu