If there’s one thing we can count on when it comes to British weather, it’s unreliability. The rising temperatures in spring and summer can be interrupted by sudden rains, storms and cold.
While many of us learn to turn a blind eye and roll over these unexpected fluctuations, our bodies can sometimes have difficulty adapting. This effect has been described as ‘weather change sickness’, but can changes in temperature really make us sick?
“Interesting question,” comments Dr Amy Brame, consultant physician at London Bridge Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK. “Sudden changes in weather don’t directly make us sick, but it can definitely affect our health in many ways.
“It is important to understand that the cause of climate change disease is not the weather, but changes in temperature, humidity and exposure,” she says.
Our bodies can perceive a significant change in weather as stress, and when our bodies are stressed, our immune systems become weaker. This means that our ability to fight infection is compromised. Additionally, large changes in temperature and humidity can create the ideal environment for infection to begin and then spread.
In other words, a significant change in the weather doesn’t have to actually make you sick—you just need to be exposed to an actual virus, such as the one that causes the common cold or the flu virus. However, it can be influenced by factors both in your body and in the surrounding environment – making you more susceptible to getting sick.
As UK summer turns to autumn and temperatures drop, many of us prepare ourselves for the start of cold and flu season. However, we can experience seasonal sickness throughout the year – especially when the weather changes.
Although we talk less about it in hot weather, it is also possible to feel weakness due to sudden weather changes in spring and summer. One possible reason is that specific viruses peak at different times of the year, and are affected not only by decreases but also increases in temperature and humidity.
climate change disease factor
However, viruses are just one factor linked to climate change disease. Bram lists several other things that may explain why you find yourself under the influence of the weather at different times of the year.
Seasonal change of weather: heat and pollen
Seasonal allergies can also cause many people to feel under the weather when spring and summer arrive. People suffering from hay fever experience symptoms when pollen levels rise between March and August. Hay fever symptoms can feel similar to those of a cold.
Bram explains that as the weather warms, flowers, trees and grasses begin to produce pollen which can trigger post-nasal drip, congestion and asthma. Leaf blight and sensitivity can push these symptoms into late autumn.
“Heat can also trigger asthma symptoms. Summer storms can be particularly problematic even without changes in pollen counts, especially for people with conditions such as inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis),” she says. “This could result in a ‘summer cold’.”
Seasonal change of weather: cold air and viruses
There is some evidence that we are generally more likely to get sick in colder temperatures. Brame says common viruses like human rhinovirus — which causes up to 40% of colds — and influenza viruses — which cause the flu — spread more rapidly when temperatures drop.
“Exposure to cold temperatures can also trigger seasonal asthma and over-reactive airways,” she warns. “People who have these triggers should use an inhaler and a face covering to reduce the impact of cold air on their lungs, especially when exercising in the cold.
“Even people without lung problems experience runny nose, blocked nose, and sneezing when going out with changes in temperature. This makes symptoms worse when you catch a cold.”
low barometric pressure (bmp)
BMP is a measure of atmospheric pressure in the air. According to Brame, people with rheumatological disorders — autoimmune diseases that cause immune responses that attack your muscles, joints, bones and organs — may often feel worse when there are changes in BMPs.
For example, people with fibromyalgia – a condition that causes pain throughout the body and extreme fatigue – may experience increased pain during low BMP.
Similarly, people who experience migraines may find that a drop in BMPs makes them worse. This is because the low air pressure in the atmosphere creates a difference between the outside air pressure and the air inside our sinuses, resulting in pain. This is similar to the pressure change that occurs when your flight takes off – a sudden climb to altitude can cause headaches, ear bursts and ear pain.
Central Heating and Air Conditioning
How you adapt your indoor settings after the weather changes can also affect weather change sickness. Bram warns that heating and air conditioning can humidify the air and redeposit dust on your radiators. This can trigger allergies, nose and sinus symptoms – such as blocked or runny nose – and a sore throat.
She adds, “In your effort to stay warm or stay cool, using these systems inadvertently helps transmit germs that cause respiratory infections.” “Cold and dry air also causes the delicate skin inside your nose to become dry and swollen or even cracked, making it easier for infection by virus germs.”
personal factors affected by weather
Disruption of sleep due to strong storms or drastic temperature changes is common. Poor sleep can lower your immunity and increase the chances of infections like colds.
When the temperature rises suddenly and we do not drink enough water, dehydration can pose a significant threat to our health. Being dehydrated can also impair the immune system and make us more susceptible to infectious diseases.
Any weather change illness symptoms you experience will depend on which of the above weather change factors affected you. Instead of typical weather change illness symptoms, many people generally feel more under the weather if their immune system is under stress.
Any specific symptoms you have as a result of these factors are likely to be caused by a common viral infection such as the common cold, or hay fever.
Both conditions have many common symptoms in common:
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blocked nose.
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Runny nose.
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Itching in throat.
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Eye irritation.
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watery eyes.
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Sneezing.
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Headache.
Flare-ups of asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing are also common. This is because people with asthma may find that extreme temperatures – both extreme cold and heat – and humidity, respiratory infections and allergies can all make asthma worse.
If you’re finding it difficult to cope, Bram suggests making an appointment to discuss your symptoms with your doctor.
“There are lots of things we can do to make you feel better,” she says.
It’s not always possible to avoid fatigue, catching upper respiratory infections, or avoiding your allergy triggers. That said, there are some steps you can take to support your immune system and help protect yourself from some of the challenges that come with major changes in weather.
practice good hygiene
Washing hands regularly can help prevent the spread of infections like rhinovirus – which causes colds, sore throats and sinus infections. These germs can sometimes survive for up to 48 hours on touchable surfaces, such as worktops and door handles.
take your preventive medicine
The use of preventer inhalers for asthma and hay fever medication can usually be avoided by starting the symptoms before the symptoms appear.
Get your annual flu jab in the autumn or winter months
If you’re eligible for a free flu jab on the NHS, it provides a good level of protection against seasonal flu during the colder months.
be physically active
Regular exercise can strengthen your immune system, which helps your body fight viral infections like colds and flu.
get plenty of sleep
Establishing the habit of getting enough sleep every night can give your immune system a significant boost.
Manage your stress levels
Feeling stressed can have a big impact on your immune system’s response to infection.
drink plenty of water
Staying well hydrated plays an important role in keeping you healthy and functioning properly.
eat a balanced diet
This means consuming a wide range of nutrients and vitamins. For example, foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin B12 and zinc are known for their immunity-boosting properties.
