Do you fall sick when

the weather changes?

We have all heard someone we know speaks about getting sick 
because of the weather change.

And see a lot of people fall ill at the outset of the monsoon season. As 
a doctor, I have always wondered why this happens. Is the change in 
weather really responsible for ill health or is there something else 
going on!? Here’s what happens:

Viral infections

1. A drop in temperature and humidity 
makes it a favorable environment for 
certain viruses to flourish or propagate.

2. Our bodies can interpret a significant 
change in weather as a stressful event. 
The immune system fights off infections. 
When stressed, our immunity is lowered, 
and we are more susceptible to disease. 
Exposure to lower temperatures, like 
getting/staying wet in the rains, makes us 
more vulnerable to infections. This along 
with exposure to various viruses can 
precipitate an illness.

3. Specific viruses peak at different times 
of the year and are affected by either an 
increase or a decrease in temperature and 
humidity.

4. Viruses can like the Rhinovirus can 
thrive in cold temperatures. This virus is 
responsible for over 40% of all colds.

5. Spending more time indoors in a closed 
environment can help spread the virus 
from one person to another. This is 
because you spend more time rebreathing 
the same air. If you use air conditioners 
that haven't been cleaned/ serviced 
regularly, you may be exposed to dust/
mold which can aggravate allergies.

6. During winters, cold air and drier or 
inflamed mucous membranes of the nose 
and throat make it easier for viruses to 
enter the body.

7. The monsoons along with waterlogging, 
make a perfect breeding ground for 
mosquitos. Mosquitos are carriers of 
viruses like dengue and blood parasites 
like malaria. Malaria was previously 
thought to be caused by "bad air" 
(mal=bad, aria=air).

Allergies

1. Allergy flare-ups are more common 
during weather changes. This is because 
pollen and other allergens are more 
prevalent during these months.

2. Heat can aggravate asthma symptoms. 
Thunderstorms in the summer can cause 
"summer colds."

3. Cold temperatures can also trigger 
seasonal asthma.

Drop-in Barometric pressure

1. People with autoimmune disorders may 
feel worse when the barometric pressure 
drops.

2. Barometric pressure drops can aggravate migraines.

A blocked nose | A runny nose | An itchy throat | Itchy eyes | Watery eyes

Sneezing | Headaches | Breathlessness and wheezing in asthma

Ways to prevent Weather change illnesses

1. Good Hygiene: Wash your hands with soap and water. Unlike COVID-19, Rhinovirus can survive on workstations for up to 48 hours (click here to read more)

2. Wear a Mask: Wearing a mask can prevent your exposure to various varus/bacteria as well as multiple allergens. This is particularly useful when someone around you has a cold. You can also wear a mask when you have a cold and don't want it to spread to others while sneezing/coughing.

3. Preventive inhalers: Take these before you usually get symptoms (Asthma patients)

4. Get Flu Vaccines: A yearly flu shot can prevent influenza.

5. Keep Physically Active

6. Get Adequate Sleep

7. Manage your stress levels

8. Drink Enough Water and stay hydrated

9. Eat a well-balanced diet: Foods rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C / Zinc

Taking precautions helps protect you and your family from becoming ill and trapped in the never-ending cycle of passing around a cold or flu virus for weeks. We can't change the weather, but we can take the necessary precautions so that we can be safe and healthy in any weather!