1. Cold weather makes you sick.
As the temperatures plummet, bundling up will make you feel comfortably warm, but it won’t protect you from the viruses and germs that cause illnesses like the common cold.
In fact, many experts believe that more people get sick during cold weather because the low temps force people indoors where it’s easier to exchange germs. Plus, cold weather can also dry out nasal passages, limiting the body’s ability to filter out infections.
One interesting point: While the cold itself can’t make you sick, fluctuations in weather can make some health conditions worse. Recent research studies have shown that rapid shifts from cold to warmer weather and the accompanying air pressure drops can trigger migraines, exacerbate asthma symptoms, and worsen sleep apnea or arthritis.
2. Be wary of exercising outside.
Unless you have significant health issues, there’s no reason to let a cold day put a damper on your physical activity. But it’s a good idea to do some warm-up exercises inside for a few minutes and dress properly.
This leads us to another myth worth shattering: Your body heat doesn’t escape mainly through your head. Just like any other body part, your head will make you feel colder if it’s left unexposed. So, make sure your workout routine includes a hat – and warm clothes for the rest of your body, too.
3. The flu shot can give you the flu.
The quick answer: not true. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC), flu shots are either made with an inactive form of the virus or no flu virus at all. Both shots could cause minor side effects that can be mistaken for the flu, but you won’t get the actual flu.
The CDC recommends that everyone older than 6 months should get the flu shot every year with rare exceptions. Why? In 2018, there were more than 20,000 flu cases in New Jersey, and the flu was responsible for the death of five children in the state.
4. Don’t worry about allergies until the spring.
Scratchy throat, runny nose, watery eyes? It may not be a cold, but winter allergies. Spending more time indoors means more exposure to indoor allergens, such as airborne dust particles, pet dander and mold.
During winter, people with allergies may be more likely to have sinus symptoms. Otherwise, many winter allergy symptoms are the same as those from other seasonal allergies. And so are the ways to prevent or treat them, such as taking allergy medicines, using a humidifier, and keeping your household as dust-free as possible.
Cosmo Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency serving surrounding communities in New Jersey. Cosmo keeps its promise to assure an efficient and creative approach to the services we offer. Each of our clients experience a personalized and long-term relationship with us. Our New Jersey based team of health brokers guides our clients in helping them choose the most cost-effective options. By incorporating the latest in technology-based tools and laws on healthcare, employee benefits, life insurance and finance, we keep our clients up-to-date with the plans that encompass all of their needs, whether it is individual or group insurance
