When the weather gets colder, many people notice an increase in colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses. But does cold weather itself make you sick, or are there other factors at play? Understanding the relationship between chilly temperatures and illness can help you take steps to stay healthy throughout the season.
For same-day illness testing and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care South Plainfield. Our team can evaluate your symptoms, diagnose your condition, and plan the best treatment possible. Just walk-in!
Why Does The Cold Weather Make People Vulnerable To Illness?
While cold weather alone does not directly cause illness, it can have an impact on your immune system. Increased illnesses in the winter can be a result of two reasons– ease of infiltration and weakened immunity.
1. Ease of Viral Infiltration
The drop in temperature increases the chances of viral infiltration through the nose and mouth. This is because the nasal passages are lined with what is called extravehicular cells that help fight off viruses and bacteria. But in the cold, these cells are much more sluggish, finding it difficult to fight off viral infections, resulting in illness.
That's not all though, the dry air being circulated by the cold initiates the body to increase mucus production to stop this infiltration. But most of the time, this ends up backfiring, causing runny noses and blocked airways. Worst of all is post-nasal drip which can end up instigating inflammation in the lungs and then the possibility of developing bronchitis or pneumonia.
2. Weakened Immunity
The human body requires a certain temperature for all its parts to function at the right pace and at cold temperatures, well let’s just say the immunity begins to become weaker. This sluggishness increases the likelihood that the body will be unable to fight off any viral infection in the respiratory tract.
Conditions Associated With Cold Weather
- The common cold
- Influenza (the flu)
- Norovirus (stomach flu)
- Sinusitis
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Hypothermia
General Treatment and Prevention of Illness Related To Cold Weather
Even though cold weather itself may not directly cause illness, taking precautions can help you stay healthy during the winter months. Be sure to:
- Wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs.
- Stay warm and dress in layers to avoid excessive cold exposure.
- Use a humidifier to keep indoor air from becoming too dry.
- Get your flu shot to protect against seasonal influenza.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients to support your immune system.
- Stay active to keep your immune system strong.
Get Walk-in Seasonal Healthcare at AFC Urgent Care South Plainfield
While cold weather doesn’t directly make you sick, it can create conditions that increase your risk of illness. Factors like weakened immune responses and increased indoor exposure to germs contribute to the rise in colds and flu during the winter. By taking preventive measures, you can stay healthy and enjoy the colder months without constant sneezes and sniffles. If you feel under the weather, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care South Plainfield for the treatment and relief you need. Appointments are not required– you can simply walk in any day of the week to start recovering in the right hands. Don’t ignore your symptoms, visit us today. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about the services we provide, please contact us directly at (908) 222-3500.
