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Dutchess_III's avatar

Can fluctuating weather cause health problems?

Asked by Dutchess_III (47126points) October 23rd, 2015

I caught a cold. When it got to the coughing coughing stage I went to the doctor as a precaution. When I was released from the hospital in 2012,where I had been for 2 weeks because of pneumonia,the doctors told me to stay on top of anything like that.

The doctor made a comment that a lot of people are getting sick because of the weather fluctuations this time of year, and in spring.

I was surprised to hear her say that. For one thing, the fluctuations haven’t been particularly extreme at this point. But the biggest thing is that Illnesses are caused by bacteria and viruses, not by weather fluctuations. Going outside with a wet head when it’s cold will not cause you to spontaneously develop a cold virus. Neither will running outside, barefoot, in the snow (which I have done!)

Weather fluctuations may cause us to change our habits. For example, when it’s cold we tend to spend more time inside, in closer contact with other people than we would if we spent more time outside.

The fact that a doctor said it makes me want to get more information. No better place to get information than the tide pool.

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9 Answers

_Seek_'s avatar

I read somewhere once (haha) that extreme temperature changes (such as going from a warm dry house to a wet, cold outdoors several times a day) can assist viruses in breeding, and reduce the ability of the immune system to compensate. I will see if I can find that article.

_Seek_'s avatar

I don’t think this is the same one, but it has the basic information.

Dutchess_III's avatar

That was really interesting @Seek. Thank you!

ARE_you_kidding_me's avatar

You also have seasonal allergies that can cause all kinds of issues.

augustlan's avatar

Fluctuating temps and changing air pressure certainly cause me health problems, but not of the kind you’re talking about. When I wake up crying because I’m in pain, I can be pretty sure the weather is changing. Lately, I’ve been like, “Pick a damn season, already!”

rojo's avatar

as @ARE_you_kidding_me mentioned, I was going to suggest allergies. I know that I deal with them on a regular, seasonal basis.

I have noticed that when I go on vacation, all of a sudden the lungs are clearer, I can breath easier, I don’t have this nagging cough and it lasts right up until the time I get back home and then, WHAM, it all comes back with a vengeance. Sometimes I wonder why I stay, then my granddaughter comes over and I go “ah, yes! That is why.”

Dutchess_III's avatar

I’ve found that when I start a new job, no matter where it is, I get cold-like symptoms. Sore throat, sneezing.

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