Influenza Spreads Regardless of Winter Weather
This winter has been unseasonably mild so far across many parts of the country. More cities are setting record highs than record lows, and many climate areas still have not recovered from snow droughts. With the mild weather, many are questioning if this is the reason for low reports of influenza virus infections across all fifty states. However, much like the winter season, the flu runs in cycles, and it isn’t over yet.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) weekly influenza report, the virus’ activity this season has remained low through Jan. 21. According to the trends seen over the last 30 years, flu infections pick up in January, peak in February and then continue on into May. The flu follows its own natural cycle, and CDC experts say that there isn’t much of a correlation between how severe the winters are and how the flu will spread.
“There’s just no solid science around the issue of the weather and influenza,” said Tom Skinner with the CDC’s Influenza Center.
He explained that there are some factors of winter that can help spread the influenza virus. People end up in closer quarters with windows shut to try and keep the cold out. This leads to stagnant air that allows the virus to spread with greater ease from person to person. But beyond that, there isn’t much of a proven correlation between why the flu cycle happens to naturally peak during winter months.
The winter months correspond with the flu season nationally. From Alaska to North Carolina to Arizona, areas with drastically different climates, the flu has stayed in the minimal range through late January with only sporadic spreading of the disease. It has been maintaining the same levels regardless of the different winter weathers.
As for the myth that you can get sick by going outside in cold air under-dressed or with your hair wet, there is very little merit. The cold weather by itself cannot “make” you sick.
“Going outside without a coat won’t make you catch a cold, not wearing your earmuffs won’t give you an ear ache,” said Geisinger Health Clinic physician Dr. Raymond Nungesser. “Influenza is a virus, and viruses are spread through either direct contact, like having someone who is infected coughing on you, or through indirect contact, such as touching dirty keyboards or doorknobs.”
Dr. Nungesser advices that the best ways to prevent getting the influenza virus are to get a flu shot, and to maintain good hygiene.
“Wash your hands, wash you hands, wash you hands,” he advices.
Learn more about what you can do to help keep you and your family safe this cold and flu season.
—-
Samantha-Rae Suehr, Accuweather.com Staff Writer