WHY IS THE FLU MORE COMMON IN WINTER? ACC. TO EXPERTS!

The shift to cold weather often brings more than just cozy sweaters, jackets, hoodies, and hot drinks. For many, it also signals the arrival of an unwelcome seasonal visitor: the flu.

Every year, as winter arrives, so does a wave of common sniffles, fevers, coughs, sore throats, and body aches. However, flu season isn't just a regular part of the year; it has specific reasons for its timing, and understanding these can help you stay prepared and avoid surprises.

We explore what causes the flu to be more common in winter and what you can do to recover faster and stay protected from this chilly connection.

What is the flu?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs.[1] It spreads through droplets when a person with the flu coughs, sneezes, or even talks, making it easy to catch the virus in crowded or enclosed environments.[2]

Flu symptoms can vary in severity but often include fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, dry cough, and sore throat.[3] If not treated properly, it can lead to complications such as pneumonia, asthma, and sepsis.

Why is the flu more prevalent in winter?

Flu becomes more widespread in winter because cold, dry air and indoor crowding both help the virus survive and spread more easily.

Dry air can dry out your nasal passages, weakening your body’s natural defenses against the flu virus. Additionally, spending more time indoors during colder months increases the likelihood of close contact with others, making it easier for the flu to spread from person to person.

Additionally, colder temperatures can slightly weaken the immune system by decreasing the release of virus-fighting particles in the nose, drying out mucous membranes, and constricting blood vessels, all of which together impair the body's ability to fight off pathogens.

Furthermore, reduced sunlight during winter lowers vitamin D levels, further weakening the body’s ability to combat infections, such as the flu.[4]

Treatment

Multi-action medications can help relieve multiple flu symptoms, such as cough, fever, congestion, and minor aches.

Combining pharmaceutical treatments with home remedies can further support recovery and reduce discomfort.

For example, Mucinex^® Multi-Action^™ Congestion, Cold & Flu^* helps relieve cold and flu symptoms like chest and nasal congestion, sinus pressure, headaches, and fever in 1 simple solution^**.

This multi-symptom formula is ideal for tackling discomfort during cold and flu season without needing multiple medications.

Additionally, to manage mild to moderate flu symptoms at home, focus on resting and drinking warm fluids. However, if symptoms continue despite trying home remedies and medications, it is best to consult a healthcare professional.

^*This product may not be right for everyone. Always read and follow the label.

^**Temporarily relieves these common cold and flu symptoms: nasal congestion, sinus congestion and pressure, minor aches and pains, sore throat pain and headache, and reduces fever.

FAQs

Why is the air in winter a problem for flu prevention?

Cold, dry winter air can hinder flu prevention by impairing the body's natural defenses against respiratory viruses. It can irritate the airways, cause mucus to thicken and become more difficult to clear, and even weaken the immune system, thereby increasing the risk of infection.

Can heating systems in winter make the flu spread worse?

Yes, indoor heating during colder months can contribute to an increase in flu transmission. Dry air weakens the respiratory tract’s defenses, allowing flu viruses to survive longer and increasing the risk of infection and transmission in enclosed, heated spaces.

Does less sunlight in winter affect flu risk?

Yes, less sunlight during the winter season can increase the likelihood of contracting the flu. Decreased sun exposure lowers vitamin D levels, which play a crucial role in maintaining a strong immune system. A weakened immune response is less capable of defending against viruses, making people more vulnerable to influenza.