“This is a very exciting question that is not so easy to explain scientifically,” says Roland Elling, senior physician at the University Children’s Hospital in Freiburg and specialist in viral infections. For an answer, you have to look at both the host – in our case the human – and the pathogen – i.e. the virus.
Let’s start with the “host”. The winter air, which is cold outside and very dry indoors, can damage our mucous membranes in the nose and mouth and throat area because it reduces blood circulation and has a drying effect. “In addition, the so-called cilia, which transport the mucus and thus also the pathogens that have penetrated the airways, no longer work so well,” says Elling.
Many classic cold viruses multiply better in winter.
Roland Elling, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist
In addition, experiments with animals have shown that the immune system works less well in the cold: the so-called interferon system is part of our immune system. The messenger substances ensure that the cells are quickly and effectively protected once morest a viral infection. Studies have shown that this system is less effective at lower temperatures, says Elling – even if the exact explanation for this is still unclear.
Animal experiments have also shown that a lower number of daily hours of sunshine might also have a negative impact on the immune system. This might also be due to the fact that less vitamin D, which is important for the immune system, is then formed.
The environmental conditions also play a role on the pathogen side. Some viruses are sensitive to high temperatures. “Many classic cold viruses therefore multiply better in winter,” explains the pediatric infectiologist.
But: “The typical waves of infection, such as we saw with Corona, are primarily related to how many people are currently susceptible to an infection.”
Further tests would have indicated that there must be other factors in humans or viruses in winter that also favor the seasonal colds – but what these look like is still unclear.
In order to protect yourself once morest colds, it makes sense in any case to humidify the room air and occasionally ventilate it. What strengthens our immune system in winter is very simple: “Good nutrition and enough sleep.”
Many other common tips, such as not leaving the house with damp hair, are more of a modern myth.
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