Do People in Louisiana Really Get Sick Due to Cold Weather?

It's the age-old question, do we get sick when temperatures drop and when we are exposed to the elements?

For years our parents have told us to not go outside when it's cold because we'd get sick. And honestly, I now tell my kids the same thing.

However, do we get sick when we walk outdoors on cold days or cold nights?

The myth, which we've all heard, suggests that folks get sicker during the winter months and that we often see a spike in various illnesses during winter because it's cold out.

It turns out, that with infectious illnesses, you do not get sick because of the cold weather (temperatures), but rather you get sick because you are exposed to a virus.

Cold air does play a small part in illnesses, as cooler air can contribute to conditions that lead you to get sick.

Warmer air, like what you experience indoors during the winter, does open your nasal passages, which in return allows viruses to enter your nasal cavity a bit easier, causing you then to fall ill.

During the winter months, the air is often dry outside, and according to the National Institute of Health, this allows the flu virus to be easily transmitted from one person to the other.

All in all, the best way to avoid getting sick during the winter months is to understand how viruses are transmitted. If you think the "cold weather" causes you to get sick, this can only lead to you putting your guard down when it comes to preventing illnesses or the transmission of germs.

Again, we can't stress it enough, getting the facts about how viruses are transmitted is the key to the prevention of future illnesses and it's equally important to recognize what is fact and what is not in times like this.