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Difficult to escape a runny nose and sore throat in winter. A finding confirmed by Public Health France which recalls that " the drop in temperatures is often accompanied by an increase in infectious diseases such as colds , flu or even gastroenteritis ". The cold would therefore have something to do with it. But by what mechanisms? Scientists have answered the question.
Summary
Containment increases the risk of cross-infection
The cold weakens the immune system
The cold makes viruses more resistant
The cold weakens the respiratory system
Why is the grave ill-when-it-done-cold
Containment increases the risk of cross-infection
In winter, we prefer to stay warm! Problem, the concentration of people in confined spaces and poorly ventilated (because of the cold) " increases the risk of cross infections ", reports the Institute for Public Health Surveillance. Viruses are more easily transmitted (by coughing, sneezing,frozen muscules etc.) due to the proximity of people in busy public places such as shops, restaurants, public transport, etc.
The cold weakens the immune system
During the winter, our immune system is weakened. The cold slows down cell activity and our body's response to outside attacks. This leaves time for viruses to settle. Added to this is the lack of light which can lead to vitamin D deficiencies (exposure to the sun allows the skin to make vitamin D). However, this vitamin strengthens the immune system. ( See our natural solutions to strengthen the immune system ).
The cold makes viruses more resistant
Viruses and bacteria are particularly resistant to cold. They are equipped with a protective shell which thickens when temperatures drop, and are thus protected.
Light also plays a role in their lifespan. Viruses are destroyed by ultraviolet rays. The lack of light in autumn and winter therefore allows them to live longer.
The cold weakens the respiratory system
Upon entering the nose, the cold air is naturally warmed by the nasal mucosa. This warming humidifies the air and causes the nose to "sink". The nasal mucosa dries out and protects less well against viruses. These can penetrate more easily into the nose.
Another effect of cold and dry air: aerosols rich in viruses (droplets emitted by coughing or sneezing of sick people) stay in suspension much longer. The risk of contamination therefore increases considerably.
The bronchi are also put to the test. The back pain due to cold and dry air that accompanies it stagnates the fine particles of air pollution and therefore increases our exposure. We know that air pollution and indoor pollution (due to lack of ventilation) are bad for the bronchi. They are then irritated, which " increases the number of ICAM-1 proteins, the 'locks' by which rhinoviruses enter and infect cells ", explained Dr Luc De Saint-Martin Pernot in 2011 in the magazine Pour la science .
To protect yourself from viruses, cover yourself well, ventilate your interiors every day and apply the preventive measures against winter ailments.
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