On Saturday, you're sporting shorts in the warm sunshine; Sunday's chill leaves you scrambling for extra blankets. By Monday, you've got a headache, and a runny nose isn't far behind. So how much does that wacky weather have to do with our runny noses or sore throats?
The Cold-Weather Connection
Conventional wisdom tells us that cold weather — or getting chilled or overheated — can cause a cold. But these conditions alone really don't affect the development of a cold.
So, why do most colds occur in the fall and winter, as well as when the seasons are changing? Cold weather tends to force people inside, where it's much easier for germs to spread. Plus, once school starts in August or September, kids spend more time inside with other kids, where they are more likely to pass germs back and forth.
Also, it's easier for most common cold-causing viruses to survive when humidity is low during the colder months. All that dryness also makes the lining of our nasal passages drier and more vulnerable to viral infection.
Help Keep Sniffles Away
The best way to prevent colds is to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. When you suffer from cold and sinus congestion, over-the-counter medications such as DayQuil® Sinus can help relieve those annoying sinus symptoms and clear the fog.
