Why Do People Get Sick When the Seasons Change?

As the year wanes on and the seasons change, the trees explode with color and begin to lose their leaves. Fall and winter ignite their own types of wonder… but they also stir up something else. Sickness. We can’t stop temperatures from dropping, but we can take precautions to avoid getting sick.

Here’s why we tend to get sick when the seasons change.

Time Indoors

The colder it gets outside, the more time we spend indoors. We aren’t engaging in as many activities and hobbies outside, we tend to drive everywhere instead of walk in the cold, we eat our lunches inside and the list goes on. When people are indoors more often, it gives bacteria and viruses the ability to spread more easily. The seasonal flu virus spreads effortlessly from person to person. Being in close, confined contact with people more often only intensifies the spreading of germs.

Dry Air

Along with the changing of the seasons come changes in the air. Fall and winter tend to be considerably drier than the summer. The humid air of the summer no longer helps when germs are spread through coughs and sneezes. Dry air makes it easier for germs to spread out and linger in the air.

The dry air also affects your body. Our throats and noses are lined with moist membranes that capture dirt, viruses and bacteria before reaching our lungs. But when there isn’t enough moisture in the air, these membranes can’t function properly, allowing harmful particles easier access into our lungs. Humidifiers are great tools to combat this.

Seasonal Allergies

The change of season also means that various pollens and allergens are floating in the air. Just like spring flowers and bushes spread pollen­­, ragweed, mold and dust mites are common triggers during autumn. During the harvest period, even more particles are in the air due to fields being picked.

The flu and cold season comes like clockwork when the seasons change. Be prepared by following good hygiene habits and by getting your flu shot. Stop by Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital Urgent Care, and get your flu shot today.