Connection Between Cold Weather and Health

Cold weather is often blamed for illness, with the term 'cold' historically associated with symptoms like a runny nose and shivering since the 1400s. However, current understanding suggests that respiratory infections are more common in cold months because people spend more time indoors, where pathogens can spread more easily. The body's immune system also exhibits seasonal rhythms that could influence infection rates. Despite the common belief that cold temperatures cause sickness, it is primarily the behavior and interactions of individuals that contribute to the spread of viruses.