Why do people get flu in winter?

Have you ever thought why do you get flu and cold during the colder months frequently instead of summers? Here is everything you need to know.

Flu or cold is caused by Viral infection and it can range from a mild irritation to a serious health threat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), common colds are the main reason that children miss school and adults miss work. Generally, common cold and flu are not treated they tend to go away by themselves but in extreme cases you need to see the doctor. According to an estimate, every year, flu kills an approximately 290,000 to 650,000 people around the globe.

Common cold is characterized by a sore throat, a blocked nose, and coughing and sneezing. There are more than 200 viruses that can cause the common cold, but coronaviruses and rhinoviruses are by far the most common ones. Around a quarter of people who have an infection with a common cold virus do not experience any symptoms at all.

Whereas flu is caused by the influenza virus. Flue and cold have somewhat similar symptoms. But flu is also characterized by a high body temperature, mild to severe body aches, and cold sweats or shivers. This may be a good way to tell the two apart. People usually suffer from flu in winter but in tropical regions, there may be outbreaks during rainy, humid months or relatively consistent levels of flu cases all year round.

There are several theories, however, ranging from the cold affecting how viruses behave and how well our immune system copes with infections to spending more time in crowded places and getting less exposure to sunlight. During winter, levels of UV radiation are much lower than in summer. This has a direct effect on how much vitamin D our bodies can make. There is evidence to suggest that vitamin D is involved in making an antimicrobial molecule that limits how well the influenza virus can replicate.

Another factor that may contribute to cold and flu infections in the fall and winter months is that we spend more time indoors as the weather becomes less hospitable. This might lead to two effects: crowded spaces helping spread viruses-laden droplets from person to person, and central heating causing a drop in air humidity, which ó as we have already seen ó is linked to influenza outbreaks. If a person does have a cold, the CDC recommend staying at home and avoiding contact with others. These rules also apply to influenza. However, receiving a yearly flu shot is the best way of preventing flu.

You need to consult a doctor if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• difficulty in breathing
• prolonged chest or abdominal pain
• seizures
• difficulty urinating
• severe muscle pain or weakness
• a high fever or cough that keeps returning
• persistent dizziness or confusion
• a worsening of an existing chronic medical condition

  by:  Abeer Arshad

Share it.