AUSTIN (KXAN) — As temperatures continue to gradually cool in Central Texas, the flu and cold season is just getting started.
Meteorologist Tommy House sat down with Dr. Loren Lee at Baylor Scott & White Health to learn more about signs and symptoms.
Read an edited version of the conversation below.
Meteorologist Tommy House: Why do colds and the flu thrive in cooler temperatures?
Dr. Loren Lee: I think there are many reasons. As you know, we’ve entered the ‘ber’ months, so we tend to gather indoors with family. We have closer contact, so our immune system wanes. We’re not getting enough sunlight, which means less Vitamin D. Sometimes we slack off on exercise and don’t get enough sleep.
Certainly, we’re not eating as healthily, which can affect our immunity. Colder weather will stabilize the outside of the flu virus particles so they become stronger. Less humid air tends to make respiratory droplets drier as well.
House: What’s the difference between having a strong cold/flu versus allergies?
Lee: You can have upper respiratory symptoms with both colds, the flu, and allergies. But if you’re just having allergies, you typically won’t also have a fever. With allergies, you tend to have itchy, watery eyes. However, there can be an overlap with cedar fever. So I would say, when in doubt, go to a doctor and get tested.
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