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However, the high rates of infection at this time are not linked to the weather alone, but to a combination of environmental and behavioral factors that may increase the chances of virus spread and affect the body's defenses.
Nicky Ramskill, founder of "The Female Health Doctor" clinic, explains that viral activity, spending more time indoors, stress, and lack of sleep are all factors that may contribute to the increased spread of diseases during autumn and winter.
Some respiratory viruses tend to spread more during the colder months, including those that cause influenza and the common cold.
Influenza viruses cause the flu, while most colds are caused by different viruses, including rhinoviruses.
Getting the seasonal flu vaccine helps reduce the risk of contracting the flu and its complications, but it does not provide protection against all viruses that cause colds.
Cold and dry weather conditions may affect the mucous membranes lining the nose and respiratory passages, which are part of the natural defense system that helps trap and eliminate pathogens.
The drying of these membranes can weaken some local defense mechanisms, which may make it easier to contract certain respiratory infections.
However, low temperatures alone do not cause colds, as these illnesses require exposure to infectious viruses.
With the drop in temperatures, many tend to stay in homes and offices for longer periods, keeping windows and doors closed to stay warm.
Poor ventilation can lead to the accumulation of virus-carrying respiratory particles in the air, increasing the chances of infection transmission, especially in crowded places.
Therefore, improving ventilation and opening windows when conditions permit can help reduce the accumulation of these particles and limit the risks of infection transmission.
The return to schools, universities, and workplaces increases the chances of direct contact between people, which allows respiratory viruses to spread more easily.
Also, using public transport and working in crowded offices may increase the chances of exposure to infection, especially when ventilation is limited.
Children, in turn, face greater chances of exposure to viruses at school and may later transmit them to their family members, contributing to the spread of infection within homes.
Busy daily schedules and the pressures of work and study may lead to disrupted sleep patterns and a decline in attention to diet and physical activity.
Research indicates that insufficient sleep and chronic stress may affect immune system functions, which may increase the body's susceptibility to certain infections.
Ramskill emphasizes the importance of getting enough sleep, following a balanced diet, and avoiding constant exhaustion to support general health and maintain the efficiency of body functions.
A set of measures can be followed to help reduce the risk of seasonal infection:
The high prevalence of some infections in autumn does not mean that getting sick is inevitable, nor is the change in weather the only factor responsible for this. The spread of viruses, the duration of contact with others, ventilation, and health status are all factors that affect the chances of infection.
Conclusion: The risks of seasonal infection can be reduced through a combination of appropriate vaccination, sufficient sleep, balanced nutrition, good ventilation, and hand hygiene. These are simple steps that help maintain health during autumn and winter.
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