Why Do Colds and Coughs Increase in the Winter?
Every year, people experience the same cycle in the winter season. People in the office get sick more frequently, and sick leave is taken more often. Families often have to cope with colds and coughs that seem to never end, and people at home and in the office have conversations that begin with, Why does everyone have a cold? Colds and coughs can seem like an insignificant annoyance, but they have a big negative impact on our daily lives and productivity. Luckily, much more is known about winter colds and the coughs that accompany them, and the reasons they occur.
Knowing why colds and Coughs Increase in the Winter helps people dispel myths and take steps to improve their health. For business owners and tech professionals, staying healthy also means being able to get work done and not losing productivity.
This article sets out to explain the reasons (and there are several) that colds and coughs increase during winter, how our bodies react to the increase in colds and coughs, and what can be done to reduce the impact of the increase in winter colds and coughs.
Why Do Colds and Coughs Increase in the Winter?
1. Viruses are more prevalent in Cough and Cold Weather
Viruses are the principal cause of the increase in the winter. There are many viruses that cause the cold and cough, like Influenza and rhinovirus, that have a greater chance of surviving and spreading in winter weather and cold temperatures.
Low temperatures allow respiratory viruses to stay in the air or on surfaces longer. This makes it easier to spread, which can be seen in shared places like offices, public transport, and homes. It can be said that winter creates a virus-friendly atmosphere more than other warmer months.
2. Less Sun and Weaker Immunity.
There are shorter days, and certain times of the year (like winter) have less sunlight. Sunlight is important and is needed to maintain vitamin D levels, which support the immune system.
A deficiency makes fighting off infections more difficult. That makes people more susceptible to coughs and colds, and busy professionals are at a greater risk because they are more likely to be indoors away from the sunlight.
3. Dry Air and Irritated Airways.
Cold air has less moisture, which leads to dry air all around. This especially applies indoors with the use of heating and air conditioning systems. This leads to a phenomenon called dry air that dries the lining of the nose and throat, which is a protective barrier against lots of germs.
Dry and irritated surfaces allow viruses to easily enter the body. This is why there is always a cough and throat irritation around this time.
4. Increased Time Indoors
Winters are much colder than other seasons. This cold air has a big impact on how people interact with one another. Transitions indoors are extremely common in cold weather, with people engaging in activities in closed, almost unventilated, places.
Infections are very likely to spread in places like offices, classrooms, and public transport. Indoor close contact creates environments perfect for the movement and spread of respiratory droplets through people in the vicinity, such as coughing, sneezing, or talking.
This perfectly answers the question, ‘Why is there an increase in respiratory sicknesses during winter?’ People behave in a way that creates perfect conditions for the spread of infection.
5. Changes to Routine, Stress, and Lifestyle
Having more responsibilities and meeting deadlines at the end of the calendar year can disrupt winter routines. Some healthy activities like exercising, and sleeping adequately are common winter routine changes that can negatively impact a person’s health.
Stress and fatigue, both of which are very common during winter, can weaken a person’s immune system which in turn increases the impact of any infections that their body could be exposed to.
If there are long working hours involved, the body is exposed to infection more frequently. As an example, for startup founders, recovery can become an extremely slowed process. If there are long working hours involved, the body is exposed to infection more frequently. As an example, for startup founders, recovery can become an extremely slowed process.
6. Sickness in Kids and Adults
Unlike adults, children’s immune systems are still in the process of maturing. This makes the common winter sicknesses even more likely to infect children. On top of that, children have constant exposure to infections due to schools and public play areas.
Impacts of an infection can take a toll on adults’ working routine. This may result in worsening symptoms of persistent mild infections. Lack of early management of recurrent cough and colds can lead to other conditions, including an infection of the sinuses, an infection of the throat, or a congested chest.
Taking necessary precautions can help reduce the risks associated with aging.
7. Prevention Is More Effective Than Treatment
Modern practices in healthcare put a lot of attention on prevention. It is possible to limit illnesses in winter with some simple practices, including:
- Good hand hygiene
- Drinking enough water, even if you don’t feel thirsty
- Eating enough nutritious food
- Getting enough sleep
- Avoiding people who are sick
Instead of waiting for an infection to take hold, early medical consultation can help prevent minor infections from turning into more complex, prolonged illnesses, saving considerable time and energy.
The cold and cough that impacts people each winter is not an inconvenience; it is a sign of several systemic issues that the body is facing. This article should help answer the question, “Why does cold and cough increase in winter?”, and reduce the time wasted on these illnesses.
Staying healthy during the winter season provides many benefits, as it supports better concentration, aids productivity, and improves functioning. This is important for businesses and the workforce. East Point Hospital, located in Avalahalli, one of the best hospitals in Bangalore, is able to assist all patients because of its efficient and accurate diagnosis and treatment, making it possible for all patients to recover and remain healthy during winter, adults, and children alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does cold weather cause a cold and cough?
Weather conditions, including cold, do not cause cough and cold. However, cold weather can help in the spreading of viruses, causing cough and cold.
2. Does wearing warm clothes help?
While warm clothes do help in maintaining body temperature and comfort,/infection prevention is more related to hygiene, personal immunity, and avoiding sick people.
3. How do I know if I should see a doctor for a cold and cough?
You should see a doctor if you have a cough and a cold for more than one week. Also, if you have a cough and cold that shows symptoms of a high fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.
