While winter comes with freezing temperatures and chilly air, there are loads of outdoor activities that you can do to make it fun. Maybe you tend to get sick after being in the cold and you’ve always wondered why, or you want to enjoy your ski trip without a stuffy nose and fatigue. Here’s all you need to know about cold weather and how you can still enjoy your time outside in winter.
1. Viruses Cause More Sickness Than Cold
It’s easy to assume that colds are caused by cold weather. After all, it’s in the name! However, colds and flu come from viruses that spread when people sneeze and cough. The droplets can travel from person to person through physical contact or common touch centers like door knobs. It’s no surprise that Americans experience about 1 billion colds and the flu affects 8% of the population every year.
When the virus attaches to the lining in your nose and throat, your immune system puts up its defenses and sends soldiers to fight the virus off. In some cases, your body fights it off. In others, fighting the virus takes more energy, which weakens your body and makes you sick. In cold weather, this might be a challenge.
2. Cold Is a Catalyst
Anyone can get a cold or flu at any time of the year. However, these sicknesses tend to peak in the winter and spring seasons. The flu bug likes cold weather because it’s perfect for viruses to survive. Cold air in your nasal passages and airways compromises your body’s ability to fight off a virus. In spring, seasonal allergies and fluctuations in weather can cause a weaker immune response.
While you can’t get a virus from the cold, cold weather can lower your core body temperature which causes other health issues. The most common health issues caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures are hypothermia and frostbite.
3. Viruses Run From Ventilation
The flu bug also like poorly ventilated areas and low humidity. That’s how a whole classroom of children can get sick even if it started with just one child. Ensure you frequent well-ventilated spaces and increase humidity in your home to deactivate the virus. You also need sun exposure — even just a little — which keeps your Vitamin D levels up. Coincidentally, low vitamin D levels are closely associated with flu.
4. You Can Still Build a Snowman
Maybe you catch a cold when you spend a few hours in the cold. Staying inside might seem like the right decision to avoid illness. However, you can still enjoy your wintertime fun if you exercise the right precautions and take care of yourself.
A few ways to protect yourself from sickness in winter:
- Wash your hands frequently and before you touch your face, eyes and hands.
- After washing, remember to moisturize with a heavy lotion or thick cream to keep dry skin at bay.
- Prioritize boosting your immune system with vitamin-rich foods. Look for foods with vitamins A, C, E and S that can strengthen your immune system.
- Wear warm clothing.
- Exercise regularly.
Does Being Out in the Cold Make You Sick?
Being in the cold can make you sick, but it’s often preventable. Whether you’re going for a ski trip or making snowmen with your kids, ensure you keep warm and practice good hygiene to prevent germs from spreading.
