IMPACT OF WINTER ON IMMUNE SYSTEM: WHY YOU SHOULD WEAR A MASK?

Winter is a time of year that can be both wonderful and challenging. On the one hand, it can be a time of peace and reflection, when people can relax and get their health back on track. On the other hand, winter can be a time of cold weather and illness, which can take a toll on people's health. 

Are you constantly battling the symptoms of the cold, cough & harsh winter weather? Know that your body is fighting to keep you as healthy as possible, but every time it hits rock bottom? There’s got to be a reason behind this. Luckily, there’s an answer and we’re here to tell you about it. 

Yes, cold temperatures can lower immunity and make us more susceptible to viruses. There is scientific explanation regarding our innate immune response that is decreased in low temperatures. According to a study , a 4.4 degrees Celsius drop in the temperature can wipe out more than 50% of virus fighting cells in the nostrils and reduces 70% of virus attracting receptors on these  cells. These are Extracellular Vesicles (EV) which has 20 times more receptors to attract viruses than the nasal epithelial cells to eliminate the virus from the body. They also have 13 times more micro RNA than normal nasal epithelial cells that kills the virus. 

WEAR A MASK

Wearing a mask or respirator can protect you and others in the community from infection. Masks can help keep your airways moist and warm. It may also be beneficial to use a scarf to cover your mask when it's cold outside, as this may prevent the mask from freezing and make it more comfortable for the wear. 

5 WAYS TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY DURING WINTER 

• Dress appropriately and layer up
• Warm-up your body & exercise regularly
• Eat a balanced diet that is rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals
• Manage Stress - Stress depletes the body’s energy levels and can decrease immunity
• Make sure to get enough rest

Finally, take time to relax and de-stress during the winter months. Winters can be tough, but with the right precautions, you can stay safe and healthy. The department of Internal Medicine at STAR Hospitals provides comprehensive primary and specialty care to treat a wide array of potential diseases. Apart from focusing on early diagnosis and treatment, we drive our efforts towards creating awareness among the people.

Dr. TNJ Rajesh

Consultant Physician
Internal Medicine & Infectious Diseases, STAR Hospitals

For Appointments, Contact: 040 - 4477 7700