Have you ever noticed that in the summer you rarely get sick but in the winter you have a fever every two weeks? This is mostly due to a seasonal uptick in the spread of common viruses.
 

Now that we are aware of the winter viral surge, we need to determine why this is.  People catch sicknesses more often in the winter because viruses spread faster in the cold, dry air we experience during the cold weather months. People regularly spend more time indoors than outdoors in the winter, resulting in more close contact and increasing the likelihood of catching a virus. The low humidity in the winter boosts viral transmission, making sicknesses more ‘contagious’ during this time of year. 

 

The flu, Covid, and RSV are all common viruses people catch in the winter since they are all respiratory illnesses. Due to the cold, dry air, indoor cramming mentioned previously and fragile nasal immune defense, these airborne diseases travel with ease.

 

Distinguishing what specific respiratory virus you have can be difficult due to the symptoms being similar. The most common symptoms are fever, sore throat, cough, runny/stuffy nose, sneezing, and fatigue. In more specifics, Covid-19 can include loss of taste or smell, the potential for severe systemic issues and can hit people of all ages. The influenza virus (flu) usually has a sudden fever spike, body aches, and chills. RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) appears more severe in infants and elders. It can cause wheezing, but overall is very similar to the flu. The common cold is more mild and mostly affects the upper respiratory areas.

 

There are medical interventions that can help to avoid winter illness. Vaccinations are one of the most popular options to help protect you from viruses. Also, getting regular checkups with your doctor will give you an idea of where your health and immune system stands. If your health/immune system appears weak then your doctor will be able to give you personal assistance and advice to help achieve the best results.  

 

Consistent hygiene including frequent handwashing, using hand sanitizer, and practicing good cough etiquette can also help prevent the spread of viruses. Being aware of the germs surrounding you and exposure to these germs can also be a good technique to protect yourself against winter virus surges. Being mindful of touching your face can help decrease the amount of germs entertaining your body through your eyes, nose, or mouth. Exposing your house to fresh outside air and using a humidifier to keep indoor air moist are also good practices to help impede the spread of germs.  While these procedures will specifically assist in blocking out winter viruses, it's important to prioritize your lifestyle and health habits all year round. 

 

Overall, seasonal illnesses are normal for winter and an expected occurrence.  Being mindful of the safety measures in place to help reduce the risks can keep communities healthier by minimizing the spread of germs and the likelihood of contracting these cold weather viruses..