A recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology has found that even small drops in temperature can impact our immune system, making us more susceptible to illnesses like the common cold and flu.
The germs that cause these illnesses don’t take time off, but our bodies do respond differently to changing temperatures. For example, when it’s cold outside, our noses run more, increasing the risk of spreading disease.
Researchers have discovered that our bodies produce special structures called extracellular vesicles (EVs) to fight off invading germs. These EVs act as decoys, tricking the viruses and bacteria into attaching to them instead of normal cells. However, in colder temperatures, these EVs become less effective, leaving us more vulnerable to illness.
According to Dr. Graham Snyder, a WakeMed Emergency Physician, preparing for cold weather can help reduce our risk of getting sick. He advises wearing layers to stay warm and comfortable, as this helps our bodies maintain their protective functions.
“Wearing a hat, sweater, or other layer can help prevent the spread of disease,” he said. “Additionally, cold air can exacerbate conditions like asthma, making it harder to breathe.”
By taking simple precautions like bundling up, we can not only protect ourselves from respiratory viruses but also avoid other cold-weather injuries like frostbite and hypothermia.
Source: https://www.wral.com/lifestyle/health/bundling-up-cold-health-north-carolina-flu-season-2025