KEY POINTS
- The transition to cooler weather prompts people to spend more time indoors, creating optimal conditions for the spread of viruses.
- The association between rainfall and illness is not solely due to getting wet but is rather linked to changes in weather conditions shares health expert.
- Practising proper hand hygiene, staying up to date with vaccinations, following respiratory etiquette, avoiding close contact with individuals exhibiting symptoms and strengthening the immune system are recommended.
Autumn is the peak of viral illnesses
As autumn unfolds, so does the peak of viral illnesses. The transition to cooler weather prompts people to spend more time indoors, creating optimal conditions for the spread of viruses shares Specialist GP Angelica Logarta-Scott specialising in skin cancer medicine, women’s, and preventative health.
Dr Scott shares that the common viral illnesses during this time include the common cold, influenza A or B, respiratory viruses, and an increased incidence of COVID-19 cases. Recognising symptoms such as feeling run down or experiencing a runny nose can alert healthcare providers to potential illnesses.
To mitigate the risk of infection, Dr Scott says practicing proper hand hygiene, staying up to date with vaccinations (including flu and COVID-19 vaccines), and following respiratory etiquette are crucial. Additionally, avoiding close contact with individuals exhibiting symptoms and strengthening the immune system through a healthy lifestyle are recommended.
“It’s important to have a healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet, regular exercise, ensuring having adequate sleep. Sleep is important because this is when your body resets your immune defences, managing stress is important, and regularly disinfecting surfaces at home,” she shares.
Can you get sick from the rain?
Dr. Scott sheds light on the belief that getting wet can lead to fever or illness. She shares that the association between rainfall and illness is not solely due to getting wet but is rather linked to changes in weather conditions. Cold weather can facilitate the transmission of airborne viruses, as they adhere more easily to dry nasal passages.
“It's not because you got wet. It's really to do with the weather itself. When the weather is cold, the small airborne viruses that are floating around stick to the nose more easily. In hot weather, these viruses tend to die off because the nasal passages are somewhat moist. We have a defence in the nose called cilia, small hairs that are moist during hot weather, so the viruses don't stick as much. However, if a person gets wet and the humidity is high or it's a bit cold, the airborne viruses or bacteria can stay in the air longer. If you happen to get wet at a time when these viruses are present and they enter your nose, the cilia in the nose are a bit dry and cannot fight the bacteria or viruses. It's not just because of the rain, there's a little mechanism happening within.”
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
Does getting wet from the rain make you sick? Health expert answers
SBS Filipino
11/04/202411:29
Healthy Pinoy is SBS Filipino's weekly segment on health. The content provided is for informational purposes only and does not intend to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your GP or doctor for support.
