Many parents tell their children to bundle up when they go outside during the winter to avoid catching a cold. While the science behind this is relatively nuanced, there is some truth to your parents’ advice; many viruses, including the common cold and the flu, thrive at lower temperatures making you more likely to catch them in the winter. However, this does not mean that you should hibernate indoors from November to March. It is actually crucial that you go outside and are exposed to sunlight regularly so that your body can produce vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiencies have been linked to weakened immune systems. Just make sure that when you do go outside you take some precautions. For example, your extremities give off the most heat so keep your hands, feet, and heads protected from the elements. In addition, you can use a humidifier to slightly increase the temperatures indoors and to prevent your nasal passages from drying out which also tends to increase the likelihood of catching the flu. Stay warm and stay healthy, Bishops!
Source:
https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/can-winter-make-you-sick
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OWU Sponsoring Organization/Office: OWU Student Health Center
Contact: Leigh Stavar at health@owu.edu