Temperatures Actually Do Not Play A Role In Catching Viruses

-5 degrees last Friday. 60 degrees this Friday.

Some may believe that the drastic change in temperature leads to more sickness but that is not the case.

Upper Cumberland Medical Society President Dr. Brent Staton said there is no truth to temperatures making you sick.

“What makes you sick is actually a virus or bacteria or you may have a runny nose from allergies,” Stanton said. “Temperature exposure whether it is warm or cold does not cause sickness.”

Staton said anecdotal evidence usually leads people to believe in temperatures causing sickness. For example, when your nose runs due to cold weather, it is actually a natural response to heat up and moisturize the air before it enters the lungs.

“I think people equate that with catching a cold, and it’s just your body’s way of protecting itself because it doesn’t like to be in 15 degree weather,” Staton said.

Staton said a lack of sun exposure during the winter can however cause more sickness. Staton said when your vitamin D drops, you have less immune activity to fight viruses.

Staton said people staying indoors also plays a role. Staton said viruses can spread easily in close quarters and regular hygiene practices such as washing your hands are loosely followed in your own home.