Page 5 - Hoodview News January 2024

HOODVIEW NEWS OREGON LIFE
Does Oregon’s cold
and wet climate lead to
more colds and flus in
the winter?
Some Oregonians worry that the rainy, cold winter climate may be making them more vulnerable to seasonal illnesses. Are they right? It depends.
if you feel like you have been afflicted with more than your share of seasonal illnesses, you may enter a time when you are the one who avoids them for sever- al years. Let’s hope!
How you can help yourself
There are things you can do to help yourself remain healthy and avoid serious colds and flus, too. Try these:
Hygiene practices: Prop- er hygiene like handwash- ing can significantly re- duce the spread of germs, regardless of the weather.
Maintain your health- care: Good healthcare in- frastructure like having a good primary care physi- cian, can help diagnose and treat illnesses promptly.
Overall, Oregon’s wet climate can play a role in seasonal illnesses, but it’s a complex interplay with various factors. By being mindful of the risks, taking preventive measures like staying active, maintaining good hygiene, and getting enough Vitamin D, Orego- nians can stay healthy even during the rainy season. HVN
Always consult a physician before changing your health routines.
By HOODVIEW NEWS
C StaffReport
an Oregon’s wet and
cold winter weather
contribute to Orego- nians having more seasonal illnesses like colds, flu, and COVID, than places that stay drier and warmer in the winter?
Well, yes. But, it’s not the only factor. According to experts, Oregon’s wet climate can contribute to an increase in seasonal illnesses, but don’t blame it completely. Here’s a breakdown of some of the
factors that increases the odds of winter illnesses in Oregon:
Increased moisture:
• Mold and mildew: Damp environments favor mold growth, which can trigger allergies and respiratory problems.
• Mosquito breeding: More stagnant water means more mosquitoes, which can spread diseases like West Nile virus.
Virus survival:
• Some viruses, like the common cold and flu,
thrive in humid conditions, potentially leading to more infections.
Reduced sunlight and vitamin D deficiency:
• Less sunshine can lead to
lower Vitamin D levels, which can weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to infections.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD):
• The lack of sunlight during
winter months can con- tribute to SAD, a type of depression that can worsen
existing health conditions.
Behavioral changes:
• Staying indoors: People tend to stay indoors more during rainy weather, increasing close contact and the spread of germs. Less physical activity: Outdoor activities are limited in wet weather, potentially leading to a less active lifestyle and weakened immunity.
Other factors contribute
However, it’s important to note other factors, too,
such as individual suscep- tibility. People’s immune systems vary, so some may be more affected by these factors than others. We all know Oregonians who like to tell us, “I haven’t been sick in years.” They are probably right. Perhaps their circumstances, diet, or natural immune systems have protected them. How- ever, pride cometh before a fall, and previous good health doesn’t mean they aren’t likely to fall prey to seasonal illnesses in the future. On the other hand,
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January, 2024
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