Upcoming weather impacting cold and flu season

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - With cold and flu season right at our front door, colder temperatures could lead to a spike in viral infections.

“We tend to see a lot more viral illnesses. like influenza, RSV, and even more of just the common cold, which is anything from rhinoviruses to adenovirus,” family medicine physician Dr. Zachary Pendleton said.

Dr. Pendleton said our behavior changes during the colder months, and so we spend more time indoors, closer to other people.

He said weather plays a little role as humidity levels drop with colder temperatures, which can sometimes make us more susceptible to getting infections.

“As we transition into this cooler weather, typically, you get air that comes out of the north. When you get air that comes out of the north, it’s not only cool. But it’s also dry air, so the humidity will be low as well.” First Alert Meteorologist Cameron Lindsey said. “We’re seeing some nights ahead of us that are going to be in the low forties., and you consider that those are cool temperatures at this time of year.”

Viral infections hit any age, from toddlers to the elderly, but a few minor changes in our habits can play a significant factor in our health, things like hand washing and staying home when you are sick.

“A lot of the things we have done for the past two years, day in and day out, in terms of giving people around you more space. Social distancing has been big in the last few years, and getting your recommended vaccinations, Dr. Pendleton said.

United Regional is offering its drive-thru vaccine clinic through November 11.

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