While cold weather cannot make you sick, it can indirectly lead to illnesses. This is because cold weather exposure can weaken your immune system which can make you more susceptible to contracting an illness. Cold weather also changes our lifestyle habits which leads us to spend more time indoors where illnesses spread quickly. It is important to be aware of common winter illnesses and know how to reduce your risk of getting sick during the winter months. If you’re experiencing illness symptoms, AFC Urgent Care Stoneham is here to help. Our walk-in urgent care clinic offers same-day illness symptom diagnosis and treatment to patients in Stoneham, MA. Walk-in today!
How Does Cold Weather Impact Your Immune System?
Although cold weather cannot directly cause an illness, it does contribute to a rise in illness cases. This is because cold weather can have a negative effect on your immune system. When you’re exposed to cold weather without proper protection, your body has to allocate more resources towards staying warm. This can result in a virus or bacteria sneaking by your immune system and making you sick. Not only does this allow pathogens to enter your body, but your immune system is also not able to fight off the infection as effectively which can make your symptoms more severe and long lasting.
Common Winter Illnesses
During the winter, there are certain illnesses that we see most frequently. This includes viral infections such as colds and the flu. Some bacterial infections like strep throat also tend to increase in the winter months. These illnesses increase during the winter because they are highly contagious and spread easily in school and office settings. Other viruses like norovirus can also easily spread in these settings.
Tips for Avoiding Illnesses in the Winter
During peak winter illness season, it is important to take preventative steps to avoid contracting an illness. This includes dressing warmly in cold weather and getting plenty of rest during the winter to boost your immune system. Staying active during the winter can be difficult, however, it can help improve your overall health which will allow your body to fight off infections more effectively. Practicing proper hygiene like hand washing and covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing can prevent the spread of infection when you’re spending time near others.
Walk Into AFC Stoneham for Same-Day Illness Treatment in Stoneham, MA
If you’re experiencing illness symptoms, it is important to seek medical care. Treating your symptoms early can help prevent the spread of disease to others. At AFC Stoneham, our board-certified medical providers are available 7 days a week to provide rapid illness symptom diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the spread of infection to others. Simply walk into the clinic for same-day care!
