As temperatures drop and sniffles rise, many wonder: does cold weather make you sick? While chilly air itself doesn’t cause illness, it can create conditions that make your body more vulnerable to infection and discomfort.
The Truth About Cold Weather and Colds
According to the CDC, adults catch an average of two to three colds each year, most caused by rhinoviruses. These viruses circulate year-round, but winter brings a perfect storm of factors that increase your risk:
– Dry air from indoor heating and low humidity can irritate nasal passages and reduce your body’s natural defenses.
– More time indoors means closer contact with others, increasing the chance of virus transmission.
– Reduced blood flow to extremities like the nose and ears in cold weather may make it harder for your body to fight off infection.
Symptoms of a cold vary, but may include:
– Runny or stuffy nose
– Sore throat
– Cough and congestion
– Sneezing
– Mild body aches or headache
– Low-grade fever
Most colds are resolved within seven to 14 days. Rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications can help ease symptoms. Antibiotics are ineffective at treating viruses and will not work in the early days of symptoms. If your symptoms worsen or persist beyond two weeks, you persistently have a fever of 100.4 or higher or have shortness of breath, contact your primary care provider.
Cold Weather and Your Body
Cold temperatures affect more than just your immune system. Here’s how winter can impact your overall health:
– Heart strain: Activities like snow shoveling can stress your heart, especially if you have high blood pressure or a history of heart disease.
– Lung irritation: Cold air can trigger asthma or COPD flare-ups.
– Migraines: Shifts in barometric pressure and temperature may lead to headaches.
To help combat the negative effects of cold, follow these tips:
– Bundle up: Dress in layers and cover your head to prevent heat loss and reduce cardiovascular strain.
– Shovel smart: Take breaks, avoid heavy meals or alcohol beforehand, and use a small shovel or snow blower.
– Protect your lungs: Cover your mouth and nose with a scarf if cold air causes discomfort.
– Watch for hypothermia: If you’re sweating and start shivering, seek warmth and change into dry clothes.
Preventing Illness
There is no guaranteed strategy for staying healthy, but there are steps you can take to decrease your chances of getting sick.
– Always practice good hygiene and handwashing by scrubbing with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, alcohol sanitizers are acceptable. It’s the 20 seconds of abrasion between the hands that matters, not the solvent.
– Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
– Avoid close contact with people who are sick and take a sick day when you don’t feel well.
– Sneeze and cough into tissues. Discard used tissues right away. Then thoroughly wash your hands.
– Take care of yourself. Eating well, getting exercise, making sure your vaccines are up to date, committing to quality sleep and managing stress might help you avoid getting sick.
– Keep your space tidy and clean. Clean kitchen and bathroom countertops with disinfectants, especially when someone in your family has a cold. Be diligent about wiping down doorknobs and frequently touched surfaces.
Cold and flu season is upon us and with it comes the flurry of well-meaning advice handed down through generations. Cold weather doesn’t directly cause illness, but it can set the stage for seasonal sniffles and other health issues. So yes, bundle up, stay active, and take care of yourself this winter. Your body will thank you.
by Stephanie Paulhamus, MSPAS, PA-C
UPMC Primary Care
Stephanie Paulhamus is a physician assistant and lead associate advanced practice professional specializing in family medicine who sees patients at UPMC Primary Care at Pine Street, 175 Pine St., Suite 200, Williamsport. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 570-326-2447 or visit UPMC.com/PrimaryCareNCPA.
