Why is the flu so prevalent in the fall and winter years?

Question

You don't hear about summer flu's, sometimes summer colds, and bronchitis and upper respiratory problems are the same prevalance for colder months. Bronchitis and URI's are also MOSTLY bacterial, not viral.

My MAIN question is about the flu. Bronch and other bacterial is kind of understandable when you think about it.

Answer 1

Because people are inside buildings and don't wash their hands often enough. Also most folks don't stay home when sick. Over heated air makes our noses dry.

Answer 2

In the winter months the wind is blowing a lot more and spreading bacteria all around us. It is also cooler for the bacteria to live longer. Always, always wash your hands.

Answer 3

Schools are back in session, and lots of people are close together. When it gets cold, you don't go out as much and are in closer proximity to others in enclosed places. Heating creates dehydration, which leads to opportunistic infections in many people.