Arabs Weather medical site - connects a lot of people weather and climate changes cold injury diseases such as colds and flu, where there is a common belief that low temperatures have a negative effect on the body 's immunity, and despite this health belief to some extent, but there are several factors Increases the likelihood of a person becoming ill during cold weather even though there is no negative effect on their immune system.
Factors that increase the risk of disease during cold climates
Some factors that increase the risk of disease during cold climates include:
- Sinus, since the mechanism of sinus response to humidity and temperature changes is different in low temperatures than in warmer degrees, as exposure to cold weather leads to dryness of the cavity and nasal passage as a result of constriction of blood vessels, then lead to a sudden change in humidity after exposure to warmer temperatures A runny nose, which may force a person to breathe from the mouth and lose the protection provided by the nasal passage against germs, increasing the risk of infectious diseases caused by bacteria and viruses.
- Exposure to pathogens, as infectious diseases require exposure to one of their pathogens, such as bacteria or viruses, regardless of the weather and cold conditions, but increasing periods of gathering people indoors during cold weather increases the risk of spreading the infection from person to person.
Contrary to what one might think, the development of symptoms of a cold or flu does not imply a weakened immune system.Many of the symptoms of these diseases are actually an attempt by the immune system to fight the cause of the disease, as people with impaired The immune system may show mild symptoms compared to people who have strong immunity when infected with an infectious disease. In addition, many infectious diseases require time to develop their full symptoms, while some early symptoms appear in the form of mild fever, which makes the person feel warm, which may lead to him in the cold weather in light clothes, and the belief that cold weather is the cause Become ill after the onset of the most severe symptoms of the disease.
No need to diet in winter with these mixtures
The effect of weather on the immune system
Many researchers believe that exposure to cold climates can adversely affect the immune system in humans, which increases the risk of disease during these climates, as these negative effects are believed to be caused by several factors including:
- Vitamin D deficiency, as many people suffer during winter and cold weather from low levels of vitamin D, as a result of inadequate exposure to sunlight (the main source of vitamin D production in the human body) sufficiently, as research indicates that vitamin D plays a key role in Maintain immune function.
- Low temperatures may affect the immune response, as an animal study suggests that exposing cells in the airways to low temperatures reduces the immune response of these cells against viruses.
- Narrowing of blood vessels, breathing cold and dry air leads to narrowing of blood vessels in the upper respiratory tract to maintain heat, which may hinder the access of white blood cells to the mucous membranes in this channel, making it more difficult for the body to resist germs and pathogens .
- Spend more time indoors, as the periods people spend indoors increase during winter and in cold climates, increasing the chance of germs and pathogens passing from person to person.
Some researchers have found the presence of heat-sensitive protein in the immune cells in the human body, causing the flow of calcium molecules and stimulate the immune response to these cells, which may occur in cases of hyperthermia in the case of fever, for example, or when hypothermia, such as injuries that occur on places Cooler than the body like skin.
Myths related to health and weather
Prevention of adverse weather effects on immunity
Some negative effects of weather changes and low temperatures on the immune system can be avoided by following these tips:
- Take vitamin D supplements, or get it from foods rich in it such as fish, mushrooms, and eggs.
- Get enough sleep and rest.
- Keep the body moist by drinking adequate amounts of water and fluids.
- Keep your hands clean and wash them frequently.
- Make sure to use a clean handkerchief when you cough or sneeze, or cover your mouth and nose with the elbow instead of the hand if you don't have them
- Avoid people with infectious diseases as much as possible, and not share food and cooking with them.
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