Respiratory illnesses like common cold, flu rise in winter: here’s why

Low temperatures cause the air to dry up, weakening the human body’s immune system. Moreover, viruses tend to live longer in cold weather, especially during November and the end of February.

While studies have shown that more people get sick because of staying indoors, which helps in the faster spread of the infection, humidity also plays a role in it.

Dr Akshay Budhraja, Senior Consultant, Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Aakash Healthcare, told IndiaToday.In that people who have chronic respiratory diseases like asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and Allergic Rhinitis or ILD, experience acute attacks and worsening of their respiratory symptoms because of dry air.

“Cold and dry air along with pollutants, irritates the respiratory passage as well as lowers immunity, the respiratory passage also becomes hyperresponsive, leading to increased mucus production, spasms and clogging of airways that cause difficulty in breathing,” said Dr Akshay Budhraja.

Besides this, cold air decreases a person’s defence mechanism against fighting viruses, suggested Dr Neetu Jain, senior consultant of pulmonology, critical care and sleep medicine at PSRI Hospital.

“Low temperature increases the likelihood of getting sick as the body is not as effective at fighting illnesses against the dry air. Dry air that has viral droplets your immunity, and you become more likely to catch a cold,” Dr Neetu Jain told IndiaToday.In.

According to Mayo Clinic, in warm months, the air contains more moisture which causes infected droplets to be larger in size. These droplets then fall to the ground reducing lower levels of transmissibility.

However, in the cold months, since the air is drier, the droplets that might contain the virus hang in the air for longer periods of time, thus, spreading faster. This is why the virus persists in the upper respiratory tract for a longer time.

To avoid contracting respiratory illness in winter, the experts advised maintaining proper hygiene and avoiding touching your face, nose, ears and mouth.

“Keep your distance from infected people. Don’t touch surfaces like door knobs. Wear a mask. Sneeze or cough into your elbow or if you are ill. Wear layered clothing in winter to stay warm. Keep yourself hydrated. Follow a proper diet and ensure you get an annual flu vaccine in September. Don’t consume antibiotics without the advice of your doctor,” said Dr Jain.