Most of us don’t care for cold weather; it just isn’t our thing unless you are a virus like the flu, common cold, and COVID-19. The cold weather makes it easier for these viruses to spread, potentially making winter the most dangerous time of the year.
But why does cold weather make this season a flu season (and possibly COVID-19 season)? Here’s what research shows and ways you can stay safe until the weather warms up.
Cold weather creates ideal conditions for virus spread
Let’s start with the flu since it’s been around and studied for much longer than COVID-19. Even though the flu can come at any time of the year, flu season usually hits in December and peaks in February; this is typically the year’s coldest time.
Cold temperatures themselves do not cause the flu, but the cold weather does change the way our body responds to the virus and the way we behave, which can increase the risk of infection.
Viruses like the flu tend to enter through the mouth and nose, but our nasal passages usually have strong defenses against them. However, the cold slows down our ability to clear the mucus in our noses, letting the virus infect the body.
During the winter, we gather most of the time closely indoors, which increases the risks of infection. Heaters make the indoor air drier. Research has shown that these conditions can affect the transmission of respiratory viruses.
Scientists are observing similar findings with the coronavirus. As reported by The Wall Street Journal, a dozen recent studies have confirmed that the coronavirus lives longer in cold weather and inside dry, heated homes.
In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, the odds of catching COVID-19 indoors are about 18 times higher than outside. This is mainly due to the lack of sunlight and open-air ventilation. It’s still unknown if COVID-19 will show a seasonal pattern like the flu.
How to reduce your chances of getting sick
While cold weather contributes to the spread of the flu and COVID-19, it’s still believed that the way we behave drives most transmission between people, including the most recent surge of COVID-19 cases.
This is good news because it means we have the power to take the necessary steps to stop the spread. For example, researchers from the University of California in Los Angeles recommend creating healthier indoor spaces by humidifying rooms, raising the thermostat, and cracking windows to let in more fresh air.
But we can also continue to practice what we’ve been doing this past year:
- Wear a mask. Masks are a simple way to shield yourself and others from spreading the virus through respiratory droplets.
- Wash your hands regularly. Frequent handwashing can protect against many infections, including the flu and COVID-19.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Keeping your hands away from your face reduces your risk of germs entering your body.
- Get vaccinated. The annual flu vaccination effectively protects you from the flu or serious complications. The new COVID-19 vaccines are designed to do the same.
As long as it’s cold outside, these are the best ways to avoid catching these viruses. Remember that it’s not too late to get a flu vaccine, and the COVID-19 vaccine will be available to more of us in early 2021.
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