If bacteria can't survive in the cold (thats y u put meat in the freezer) y do more people get sick in winter?

Question

You put leftovers in the fridge to avoid it getting bacteria infested. (You do the same by covering it with salt). Then that means that bacteria can't survive in the cold...So why is it that in winter, we are enveloped with colds, flus, runny noses, and other sicknesses??

Answer 1

because germs are more prevelant in closed up spaces without fresh air. Example: being in an airplane- germs are spread thru the air system, just like in an office building or preschool. A lot of people confined in an area.

Answer 2

First of all, you're confusing bacteria with viruses. Take some time to find out the differences between the two.

People tend to congregate, and stay indoors, more during the winter season, for obvious reasons. This makes the transfer of any virus much easier. Sharing of food and drink, lots of handshaking, and not enough of washing hands, all lead to the easy transmission of viruses.

Answer 3

Some bacteria actually thrive in cold temps. The bacteria in meat doesn't, but there are those that do. Also, most colds and flu are viruses, not bacteria...but the same condition applies to viruses, some like the cold.

Answer 4

I would say that because we are "alive" and have not adapted to the cold with say, fur coats, it would be a huge difference. We are picking up germs on our hands by fomites (contaminated surfaces) and we touch our eyes or nose and viruses by touch or in the air (sneezing, coughing). We are in confined spaces and we share our air. I suppose if we could freeze ourselves or the air without harm, it would work!! Also, you have to keep foods in the fridge at zero in order for it not to spoil. Refrigeration only lasts for so long, then the food does spoil. This was an excellent question!!! Thanks for asking! Godloveya.

Answer 5

In addition to the above answers, temperature extremes are a shock to your body and immune system. Going from a heated car or home to being out in the cold, sometimes below freezing, and then back in a heated building puts stress on and weakens your immune system. It doesn't happen as much in the summer because because the indoor/outdoor temperature changes are not as extreme.

Answer 6

Oh, you haven't been to the Music section much, right? There are plenty of questions related to Justin Bieber, mostly made by teenybopper fangirls.

Answer 7

Because people spend more time indoors so sickness is easier to spread between people.