Does cold weather really give you a cold/flu?

Question

I always thought that colds and flus where viral/bacterial in nature so why do people get more colds and flus during winter? Surely, these would be more prolific during the summer months where hot humid weather would help them to survive? What part does the cold weather play in increasing the occurance of these bugs?

Answer 1

Although most people consider the cold and flu season to span from November through February, these ailments are not limited to the winter months. Winter is not the only time that people get colds but they are more prevalent at that time. Colds happen all year round.

According to Alternative Medicine, compiled by the Burton Goldberg Group, cold and flu viruses are the most common afflictions attacking the body's upper respiratory tract, with 40% of the U.S. population being stricken with flu each year. The editors explain that, "the common cold and flu are believed by most physicians to be caused by exposure and susceptibility to a variety of common viruses."

Colds and flu are more common in the winter months because people congregate inside, with the doors and windows shut tight, allowing viruses to increase and spread in close quarters. So cover your mouth when you cough This may help some but you can't stop people from touching doorknobs, rub their eyes, shake hands and pass the germs along that way, as well as through the air. Best defense: build and maintain a strong immune system.

Once contact with a cold is made, it takes an average of two to three days for the victim to experience symptoms, such as a runny nose, watery eyes, aches and pains, coughs, sore throat or sneezing. For this reason, a person may be infected with a cold virus, but because he or she is unaware of its presence, take no precautions against spreading germs. This leads to a rapid spread among family members, friends and coworkers.

Viruses also find a fertile breeding ground among young children. This is particularly true for children in day care centers.

Answer 2

No the cold weather doesn't cause cold/flu. You are right in that they are viral infections.

However, the cold and flu are more common in winter because the germs have a field day indoors where we have the heating up full blast - this provides optimum conditions for them to multiply faster and therefore meaning they can multiply faster than your immune system can get rid of them!

Answer 3

The cold itself doesn't get you sick (though hypothermic maybe), the dryer weather of the winter season makes it easier for colds/flue to spread, and not to mention the indoor heating of a lot of places during the winter. And during the winter people tend to stay indoors more with each other too, another opportunity for the viruses to spread.

Answer 4

you are right cold is from a virus not cold weather. People are indoors together alot during the winter so that is why the germs are spread so easily.

Answer 5

cold and flus are actually viral but because in winter the heating in homes are cranked up and windows are closed so the viruses and bacteria have a field day.

Answer 6

You are more prone to catching and succumbing to the infection in the winter. You tend to spend more time inside cooped up with people and have windows and doors closed...which gives more chance of being infected.

Answer 7

You get more in the winter as you stay inside more and are closer to more people so you get exposed more to germs. Also you cannot open your windows in the winter to let in fresh air and let the germs out.

Answer 8

reduced resistance due to the cold i.e increased flow of mucus in nose & throat.

Answer 9

I'm not sure, cold weather can make your nose run it can make your ears cold sometimes causing an ear ache. Maybe the bactria just becomes agitated at this time of year.

Answer 10

its not the cold but more the damp weather