13 Myths And Truths About Winter And Health

Health is one of the aspects in which myths and truths about winter are confused. It is hardly understandable that this is the case, since respiratory problems abound during this stage. However, things are not as some claim. Let’s see.

1. Cold weather makes you sick

This is one of the most widespread myths and, like others, it is unfounded. Low temperatures alone do not cause any respiratory illness. Specifically, the cold is said to be the cause of colds, which is not true.

The reason there are more colds this time of year is that people spend more time indoors and this makes it easier to spread the flu virus. It is important to know that, according to the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases of the United States, the ideal climate for the transmission of the cold virus is 32ºC.

2. Cold causes arthritis

Several of the myths and truths about winter are related to the effects of cold on health. Therefore, another of the most widespread ideas is that low temperatures cause arthritis . This is not true. What does happen is that the cold intensifies the pain caused by this disease.

3. There are no allergies in winter

Many people think that allergies are a matter of spring or summer, but that they cannot take place during the winter. This is not true. Allergens in cold weather are inside closed spaces.

Mold, mites, animal dander  or cockroaches are some of those agents that can cause allergies in cold weather. In fact, many specialists think that some cases of apparent colds are rather manifestations of allergies.

4. Prevent cold air from entering if someone is ill

This is another of the beliefs that has a very popular place within the myths and truths about winter. It is said that if someone catches a cold, you have to close the doors and windows so that they don’t get cold. The only thing that is achieved with this is to prevent good ventilation and facilitate contagion in closed spaces.

5. Remove sunscreen

Some people think that during the winter it is not necessary to apply sunscreen. Although it does not shine as in summer, the truth is that the Earth is closer to the Sun during this time of year. Added to this is that snow and ice reflect up to 80% of ultraviolet rays. Conclusion: the protector is more necessary than ever.

General myths about winter

Among the myths and truths about winter, there are also some that refer to the season itself and its effects or conditioning factors. The following are some of the most popular.

6. It is not good to exercise in the cold

The available data indicates the opposite. Exercising in cold weather requires more effort and is done faster. This implies that more calories are also burned and the production of endorphins is also stimulated more, which positively affects mood. Therefore, nothing is more effective than doing physical activity this season.

7. Body heat is lost through the head

One of the myths about winter says that to avoid the sensation of cold it is necessary to cover the head well, since most of the body heat is lost through it. There is evidence that this heat is actually lost disproportionately through the hands. Gloves must be worn to keep warm.

8. Winter means weight gain

What leads to weight gain is not winter itself, but everything that occurs during the season. If you are sedentary and during the Christmas holidays you eat much more food and drink than usual, you will most likely gain several kilos. This has nothing to do with the weather.

9. Alcohol helps fight the cold

It is said that a good glass can dissipate body cold and this is apparently true. Indeed, it has a warmer sensation, but this is superficial. Alcohol causes the blood to flow more towards certain areas of the skin, but away from the internal organs. The core temperature drops with each drink.

10. The winter blues

It is said that the lack of light causes depression and that, therefore, winter and sadness always go hand in hand. However, it has been established that winter depression is more associated with other factors such as vacations, family stress and expenses than the prevailing climate.

General truths about winter

Within the myths and truths about winter there is also a place for those generalized knowledge that does correspond to the truth. Within them we find the following.

11. Self-medication is not good

This is valid both for winter and for any season of the year. When you have a medical condition, it is not good to take what has been good for someone else without consulting your doctor first. Each person has a very personal health condition, and remedies or drugs that seem effective and harmless can harm many under certain circumstances.

12. It is good to drink plenty of fluids

Intensive fluid intake helps the body to get rid of various toxins more easily. This, in turn, helps a respiratory infection to resolve more quickly and naturally. Therefore, it is very appropriate to drink plenty of fluids during a winter cold.

13. Rest helps

Rest is a factor that helps prevent the flu picture from intensifying, prevents complications and helps the condition to dissipate more quickly. Also, staying home is a way to prevent others from catching it.

Sometimes popular knowledge is nothing more than myths

As has been seen, the myths and truths about winter are related to popular knowledge that is sometimes correct and sometimes not. Although many people claim that something is true, it does not mean that it is. The same is true of what the majority say is false.

In this case, it is not good to advocate for the preservation of traditions, since those false beliefs that are transmitted by word of mouth, or from generation to generation, can have undesirable effects. Therefore, it is best to confirm if something is myth or truth through a reliable source.