by beth king

Created on: October 22, 2009

There are many reasons why people get sick more in the winter then any other time during the year. Some of the causes are due to life style differences in the cold weather and some are based on scientific fact.

This article will explore some of these reasons and give you tips on how you can better protect your family and yourself from these illnesses.

LIFESTYLE:

During the winter, when it's cold outside, most people are indoors much more then other times of the year. Indoors are also less ventilated to keep the cold air out so there isn't as much fresh air circulating. Because we are in closer contact, in closed in spaces, with other people, we are more prone to catch colds and flu.

WHAT TO DO: Wash your hands often or carry one of the anti bacteria gels or wipes. Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth unless you have just washed your hands. If possible, try to stay away from large crowds indoors.

Another reason is the inside air is less humid and our nasal passages become dry making us more prone to catch viral infections.

WHAT TO DO: Purchase a humidifier and use it at home or even at the office if you can. Use one of the nasal cleanser kits or a natty pot to keep passages clean.

Our immune system may be weaker in the winter due to the foods we eat or don't eat and getting less exercise. In the summer many we tend to eat more fruits and vegetable that can help boost our immune system. In the winter our diets change somewhat and we eat more starches, heavier foods and more sweets and less fresh, lighter foods.

WHAT TO DO: Add fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet on a daily basis. Try to eliminate or reduce the amount of sugar you consume. Take vitamin C and zinc, they have both been shown to boost immune system. Keep up with or start an exercise program.

Our moods also have some effect on our immune system. When we are sad (not getting enough sunlight), depressed or under stress, our immune system weakens, making us more susceptible to virus and infections.

WHAT TO DO: Try going outside in the sun for a few minutes each day. If you are exercising, keep at it, studies show it will help your mood too. Eat foods rich in B vitamins, they can also help your mood. Keep organized so you don't feel overwhelmed. Try to meditate or pick a hobby to relax you.

SCIENTIFIC REASONS:

Yes, there are scientific reasons that people get sick more often in the winter. In an article written by the Health Sciences Institute in Baltimore, they report that viruses thrive in a temperature of about 41 degrees and about 20 percent humidity and the duration time was longer in this temperature. This was compared to a temperature of 86 degrees or higher when there was no transmission of viruses. This means that in addition to our lifestyle in the winter, the environment of the colder weather provides an optimal breeding ground for many viruses and the spread of them.

In an issue of the journal of Plops Pathogens, Dr. Pales explains when there is less humidity and the air is cold, the respiratory droplets exhaled are light and stay in the air longer. Indoors, where the air is even dryer, the droplets fly instead of falling, both adding to the ease of transmission.

WHAT TO DO: Sadly there really isn't much you can do about this other then what is listed above, eat right, take care of yourself and wash your hands often and before touching your eyes, nose and mouth. By keeping yourself as healthy as possible you will be better able to fight off illnesses and if you do catch something, you will have a better chance of it being less severe and of a shorter duration.

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