Cold Snap Fuels Familiar Question: Can Cold Weather Actually Make You Sick?
Paris, France – As a biting cold snap grips much of Europe, a perennial question resurfaces: does venturing out without a coat truly invite illness? While the cold itself doesn’t cause sickness, experts say winter conditions create a perfect storm for viruses and bacteria to thrive, increasing the risk of infection.Dr. Chevallier, a general practitioner in Paris, recently explained to CNews that encountering a virus or microbe infecting the mouth or nose is the primary trigger for illness.
The increased prevalence of illness in winter isn’t due to the temperature directly,but rather a combination of factors. Viruses and microbes circulate more readily in colder months, preferring the conditions, and people spend more time indoors with less ventilation, fostering transmission. This “promiscuity,” as Dr. Chevallier described it, facilitates the spread of illness.Beyond transmission, the cold can also subtly weaken immune defenses and increase the body’s caloric expenditure to maintain temperature, potentially making individuals more susceptible.
To mitigate risk, public health officials continue to emphasize preventative measures. Simple hygiene practices – washing hands,sneezing into the elbow,and mask-wearing – remain crucial. However, simply avoiding the cold isn’t enough. Going outside underdressed, such as in shorts and a t-shirt, doesn’t offer protection and can even be detrimental.
Those with pre-existing heart conditions face an elevated risk during cold weather. A 2019 study published in the British Medical Journal found that a 1°C drop in outdoor temperature correlated with a 2% increase in the risk of myocardial infarction within the following four weeks. Symptoms to watch for include chest tightness, shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, or dizziness.
