In the fall, when the temperature drops, many people notice more frequent cases of colds and flu. Although many blame the cold, doctors emphasize that the real cause of the flu outbreak lies not in the thermometer column, but in our own habits and environmental conditions.
Why the cold is not the main culprit of the flu
Immunologist, specialist in children’s infectious diseases dr. Fedir Lapii explains that a drop in temperature does not in itself cause the flu. The biggest problem is how we behave when the weather turns cold.
“The cold is like forcing us into a cage – we close the windows, ventilate the rooms less and spend more time in closed spaces. The lack of sunlight is also important, because ultraviolet rays destroy many pathogens,” says the specialist.
When people stay indoors longer, move less and interact with each other in closed spaces – offices, public transport or schools – the ideal conditions for viruses to spread are created. That is why the cause of flu outbreaks in the fall is usually related to people’s behavior, and not to the cold weather itself.
Closed collectives are hotbeds of the spread of viruses
When the school year begins, close contacts between children are formed in schools and kindergartens. One student who coughs or sneezes can infect the whole class – viruses are transmitted by airborne droplets.
In addition, rooms are often not adequately ventilated, so viruses remain in the air longer. The same can be said about offices and public transport. That is why specialists emphasize that the most important thing is not the cold, but the conditions that allow viruses to survive and spread.
How to protect yourself from autumn infections
Basic protection measures are simple, but extremely effective. First of all, keep your distance. Viruses that are spread by coughing or sneezing usually travel 1.5 to 3 meters. If a person is sick, he should wear a mask, and those who want to protect themselves should wear a respirator.
Hand hygiene is no less important: viruses remain on doorknobs, taps or phone screens, so it is necessary to wash hands or use disinfectant.
Specialists also advise maintaining the appropriate level of humidity indoors – dry air dries out mucous membranes and weakens natural protection against infections. Regular ventilation and exposure to fresh air are simple but extremely effective ways to strengthen immunity.
Source: rbc.ua
Photos are associative © Canva
