• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Updated information about the COVID-19 Coronavirus. LEARN MORE

Get started
Call us:(301) 545-1811
patient portal
Established Patients:
Request an Appointment
  • Home
  • Why Choose Us
    • Why Choose Us
    • Our Philosophy of Care
    • Patient Testimonials
    • Get Started
  • Meet your Team
    • Meet your Team
    • Aimee Seidman MD
    • Meet the Staff
  • Primary Care Services
    • Primary Care Services
    • Acute and Urgent Care
    • Chronic Disease Care
    • Preventive Care
    • Physical Therapy
  • FAQs
  • Contact & Location

Why do we get sicker in the winter?

February 23, 2018

influenza, Cold and flu, cold and flu symptoms, Flu Season

Why Winter and “The Sniffles” Are Synonymous

We all remember a time when we’ve headed toward the door on a blustery day, only to be halted by the “mom” or “dad check.” Wet hair, or lack of enough layers was instant grounds for heading back to our rooms to try again. Amidst the holiday cheer and beautifully decorated city sidewalks lingers the ominous threat of contracting the flu or cold viruses. According to the Centers for Disease Control, incidences of influenza increase in the month of October – with activity peaking December through February.

While wearing extra layers is a great defense against sharp and biting temperatures, it’s technically germs that trigger illness. Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t the cold itself that makes us come down with a cold, but rather the frequent time spent inside with other infected people in dry, circulating air. However, there is a link between cold weather and the common cold. The icy air that flushes through our nasal passages can actually reduce our local immune response. This is why it’s highly effective to cover your face with a scarf when out and about (so, mom/dad wasn’t all wrong).

A study published by the National Institutes of Health maintains that the flu virus is actually strengthened during wintertime. A unique strain of virus, influenza features an outer molecular membrane made up of lipids – better known as oil, waxes, and fats. At warmer temps (i.e., above 105 degrees Fahrenheit) this outer layer exists in liquid form; however, freezing conditions solidify this material into a gel – making it resilient enough to survive the tundra-like weather and travel from infected person to person. The germ-ridden doorknobs, keyboards, ATMs, and sink faucets we are forced to touch don’t help, either; so, be sure to practice diligent hand-washing as a preventive measure.

The rhinovirus, better known as the cause of the common cold, also thrives and replicates more successfully in lower temps. This can explain why our nasal passages – which are typically a few degrees cooler than the rest of our body – can become a breeding ground for germs. The dry heat we are exposed to everywhere from grocery stores to offices during these chilly winter days may also make it simpler for these viruses to find their way into the nasal passages. Humidifiers are a great way of combatting dry conditions that lead to dehydrated sinuses; however, be sure to maintain them properly and utilize them at a moderate humidity level, or they can cause the opposite effect.

Are you worried about contracting the flu or a cold this winter season? While there is no cure for the common cold, there are many measures you can take to keep these bugs at bay. From getting a surplus of shut-eye, to loading up on Vitamin C, your physician can recommend tips and tricks for staying healthy during winter. If you’ve already contracted a cold, or are looking for ways to fight the early stages of one, reach out to Rockville Concierge Doctors.

The providers at Rockville Concierge Doctors offer a personalized approach to primary care, making it a snap to get seen. They see a smaller group of patients so that they can better focus on quality of care and are available 24/7. Don’t suffer with cold and flu symptoms; call (301) 545-1811 to get the help you need.

Resources

Health.harvard.edu (Harvard Health Publishing)

Healthline.com

MayoClinic.org

Filed Under: General Tagged With: Cold and flu, cold and flu symptoms, Flu Season, influenza

Primary Sidebar

Categories

  • Adenoviruses
  • Autoimmune Disease
  • Blood Pressure
  • Breast Cancer Screenings
  • Concierge Medicine
  • Disease
  • Gastrointestinal Disorders
  • General
  • Heart Disease
  • Medicine
  • Musculoskeletal Injuries
  • Nutrition
  • Poison Ivy
  • Prevention
  • Primary Care Physician
  • Shingles
  • Skin Cancer
  • Sleep Deprivation
  • Thyroid
  • Uncategorized
May 2025
M T W T F S S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031  
« Jan    

Archives

  • January 2025
  • December 2024
  • November 2024
  • October 2024
  • September 2024
  • August 2024
  • July 2024
  • June 2024
  • May 2024
  • April 2024
  • March 2024
  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017

Tags

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms aneurysm cancer Celiac Disease Chronic Medical Problems Concierge Doctor Concierge Medicine COVID-19 Crohn’s Disease diabetes Diverticulitis doctor doctor near me Dr. Aimee Seidman Exercise GERD health Healthy Heart High Blood Pressure IBS treatment inflammatory bowel disease insomnia Internal Medicine Irritable Bowel Syndrome Measles treatment near me measles vaccine nutrition Pancreatitis PCP pcp near me Primary Care primary care doctor Primary Care Physician Primary Doctor near me Rockville Concierge Doctors rubeola skin rash Sleep Deprivation Sleep Deprivation in Children sleep deprivation treatment near me sleep deprived symptoms of measles thyroid disorder Weight

Footer

PATIENT
EDUCATION

From symptoms and diagnosis to treatment and prevention, learn about common acute and chronic medical conditions in our interactive patient education center.

Learn More

ROCKVILLE CONCIERGE
DOCTORS’ BLOG

Keep up with the latest developments happening at Rockville Concierge, as well as news and events about our practice.

 

Learn More

PATIENT
EDUCATION

From symptoms and diagnosis to treatment and prevention, learn about common acute and chronic medical conditions in our interactive patient education center.

Learn More

ROCKVILLE CONCIERGE
DOCTORS’ BLOG

Keep up with the latest developments happening at Rockville Concierge, as well as news and events about our practice.

 

Learn More

Home
Why Choose Us
Our Philosophy of Care
Get Started

Meet Your Healthcare Team
Aimee Seidman, MD
Meet the Staff

Primary Care Services
Acute & Urgent Care
Chronic Disease Care
Preventive Care
Physical Therapy

FAQs
Patient Testimonials
Contact & Location

Rockville Concierge Doctors
9420 Key West Avenue, Suite 104
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: (301) 545-1811

Home
Why Choose Us
Our Philosophy of Care
Get Started

Meet Your Healthcare Team
Aimee Seidman, MD
Meet the Staff

Primary Care Services
Acute & Urgent Care
Chronic Disease Care
Preventive Care
Physical Therapy

FAQs
Patient Testimonials
Contact & Location

Rockville Concierge Doctors
9420 Key West Avenue, Suite 104
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: (301) 545-1811

iHealthspot Medical Website Design and Medical Marketing by iHealthSpot.com

Sitemap • Privacy Policy • Accessibility Statement

Copyright © 2025 Rockville Concierge Doctors. All Rights Reserved. Photography by Evan Carter.

Rockville Concierge Doctor Aimee Seidman, MD believe in providing the highest quality of care to each and every one of their patients. Being a member of Rockville Concierge Doctors means getting 24/7 access to the medical care you need, when you need it. Primary Care Services include vaccinations, sinus care, vertigo, back pain, sleep apnea, UTIs, Hypo/Hyperthyroidism, High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, Cardiac Diseases, urgent care, asthma, IBS/IBD, physical therapy, and more.