The cold arrives and with it a greater proliferation of colds, colds and flu. But is it the low temperatures that make us sick? Not quite. The infection is caused by a virus, but the cold does influence the context that is more favorable for it to colonize us.
“The common cold or flu is infectious processes caused by viruseswhich present with self-limited mild symptoms that last about a week”, clarifies Dr. María del Campo Giménez, deputy secretary of the semFYC, Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine.
What can explain why we get more sick in the cold seasons is that an increase in the incidence of certain viruses is observed at this time. Apart from that, “we have to take into account that, due to the weather characteristics, people we get together more is closed spaces and this increases the probability of coming into contact with some type of virus and also increases the transmission of these viruses“.
Another variable that makes us more vulnerable is that low temperatures cause changes in the mucosal layers, which is the protective barrier against different microorganisms, and decreases the production of mucus. “What these changes cause is the disappearance of that protective barrier,” explains the doctor. And the viruses take advantage of infect us through the mucous membranes.
To prevent colds and flu, the expert recalls the importance of hand washingthe use of face mask if there are symptoms, avoid contact with many peopleespecially with older people and young children, and participate in campaigns vaccination.
And once infected, if we need to alleviate the symptoms of a viral infection, painkillers or anti-inflammatories can be taken. “It is important to remember that the use of antibiotics is not indicated in this type of infection,” concludes the doctor.