Weather Shifts: Do They Really Make Us Sick?

Ever felt like changes in weather bring on headaches or make your arthritis flare up? You’re not alone. Dr. Mike Sevilla, from Salem Family Care in Ohio, confirms that weather can affect our health. As winter arrives and we witness major weather shifts, like the recent “bomb cyclone” on the West Coast, some people experience new symptoms. Headaches can occur due to brain chemical imbalances caused by these weather changes, according to the Mayo Clinic. People with chronic pain or arthritis may also feel their symptoms worsen. Dr. Sevilla notes that some patients need to adjust their medication when a cold front hits. But does cold weather directly make us sick? Not exactly. Summer Clay, a physician’s assistant, explains that common colds aren’t brought on by weather but by viruses. Feeling congested outside is our lungs’ way of responding to the cold. While cold weather doesn’t make us sick, it can slightly weaken our immune systems as our bodies focus on keeping us warm. The Mayo Clinic further explains that increased illnesses during winter are often due to us being indoors in small, poorly ventilated spaces. So, while weather shifts can influence our health, viruses are the true culprits behind most winter sickness.