Why do we catch colds more often in the winter? Scientists have finally found a concrete answer to this question

Viral infections primarily attack us in late autumn and winter. But actually, why exactly then? Because the body’s first line of immune defense fails during these seasons, the researchers discovered. That is, a specific molecular mechanism activated in the nose.

[Photo by Pixabay]

Late autumn or early winter. Few people dare to leave the house without handkerchiefs. The days are shorter, colder and everyone around begins to snort and sneeze. As we know very well, this is the period when it is easiest to get sick.

But actually, why is this happening? What is it that makes the viruses that cause the common cold, influenza and, more recently, COVID-19 attack us particularly effectively when the weather gets cold?

So far, there has been no single definite answer to this question. Scientists have pointed to several reasons. When the days are shorter, we may lack vitamin D, which strengthens the immune system. Viruses spread more easily in cold and humid air. In winter, we spend more time in unventilated interiors, which is conducive to catching infections.

Why do we catch colds more often in winter?