Cold and Contagious: How winter weather helps viruses live longer, travel farther – WGNO New Orleans

A man lines up for COVID-19 test as it snows on Thursday, March 17, 2022, in Beijing. A fast-spreading variant known as "stealth omicron" is testing China's zero-tolerance strategy, which had kept the virus at bay since the deadly initial outbreak in the city of Wuhan in early 2020. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) As winter sets in, the increased prevalence of colds, flu, COVID-19, RSV and other illnesses becomes a familiar concern.

Many wonder why these illnesses seem to flourish during the colder months. The answer lies in the intricate interplay between temperature, humidity and the behavior of viruses.

Cold weather alone does not cause illnesses, but it does create conditions that favor the spread of viruses.

The National Institutes of Health notes that low temperatures can weaken the immune response in the nasal passages, making individuals more susceptible to viral infections. Additionally, people tend to spend more time indoors during the winter, increasing the likelihood of close contact and transmission.

Viruses, including the flu and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19), are known to travel through respiratory droplets expelled from the body when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes. In colder temperatures, these droplets can travel farther and remain in the air longer.

The cold air tends to be drier, causing respiratory droplets to evaporate more slowly. This means that virus-containing droplets can linger in the air for extended periods, increasing the risk of exposure for individuals in the vicinity.

Research from the NIH indicates that certain respiratory viruses, like the flu virus, may survive better in cold and dry conditions.

Cold temperatures can help the viruss outer membrane become more stable, allowing it to persist on surfaces for longer periods. This extended viability on surfaces contributes to the ease of transmission through contact with contaminated surfaces.

Humidity levels also play a crucial role in the transmission of respiratory illnesses. According to the CDC, low humidity in winter can dry out the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract, reducing the bodys natural defenses against viruses. Low humidity may also make respiratory droplets smaller, enabling them to stay airborne for longer periods.

The winter months create an environment conducive to the spread of many viral illnesses. Cold temperatures, low humidity and the tendency to spend more time indoors all contribute to the increased transmission of viruses.

Understanding these factors can empower individuals to take appropriate precautions, such as frequent hand washing, wearing masks and practicing social distancing, to lower the risk of getting sick during the winter season.

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Cold and Contagious: How winter weather helps viruses live longer, travel farther - WGNO New Orleans