Cold or flu season – why do we get sick in the fall? 

Autumn is associated with a palette of warm colors, cooler mornings, and a return to the daily rhythm after the holidays. Unfortunately, it's also a time when upper respiratory tract infections, colds, and flu are more common.
Runny noses, sneezing, coughs, sore throats, weakness, and fevers are symptoms that affect both adults and children in autumn. This is facilitated by factors such as spending more time indoors, temperature changes, less sunlight, and greater exposure to viruses in schools, preschools, and workplaces.
Why do we get sick more often in autumn? How can we distinguish the common cold from the flu? What can we do to support our immunity and reduce the risk of infection?

We talk with Dr. Magdalena Kalisz-Bocian , a specialist in internal medicine, about seasonal infections, prevention, and the most important rules for taking care of your health in autumn

Are infections truly seasonal? Why do we get sick in fall and winter?

Influenza cases occur year-round, but most cases are recorded more frequently during certain periods of the year. Low temperatures and low humidity are the main factors contributing to the severity of the disease. As the weather changes, we tend to stay indoors, where the air is very dry. We lack outdoor walks and frequent ventilation of rooms. All of this creates favorable conditions for the spread of influenza viruses. Furthermore, dry air damages the respiratory tract epithelium, further facilitating infection and its development. Lower temperatures force the body to expend more energy, which comes at the cost of weakened immunity. This can also influence susceptibility to infection.

Some studies indicate that vitamin D plays a role in the formation of an antimicrobial molecule that limits the influenza virus's ability to spread. Vitamin D is naturally produced by exposure to sunlight, which is in short supply during the fall and winter.

It's also important to remember preventative measures, especially for children and adults in at-risk groups. Regular handwashing, avoiding contact with sick people, and vaccinations can significantly reduce the risk of illness for both children and adults. Furthermore, a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports the immune system, helping protect against seasonal illnesses like the flu and other respiratory infections.

What symptoms accompany colds and flu?

These are two different disease entities.

The common cold is caused by over 200 viruses (primarily rhinoviruses and coronaviruses) and is associated with an upper respiratory tract infection accompanied by mild catarrhal symptoms: nasal congestion, sneezing, and a cough (dry to moist), as well as a sore or scratchy throat. Symptoms typically cause only minor impairments in functioning.

Influenza, on the other hand, is caused by infection with the influenza virus (in humans, types A and B). It has a more severe course than the common cold and is characterized by:

• high fever up to 40-41°C, which may last for many days,
• muscle and joint pain,
• headaches,
• a strong, dry, often paroxysmal cough,
• worse appetite.

The patient definitely feels ill, the flu makes normal functioning difficult and, unfortunately, unlike the common cold, often leads to serious complications.

How to cope during the infectious season?

During the flu season, we should try to wash our hands more frequently with soap and water, and whenever possible, use a disinfectant, and maintain a distance when interacting with sick people. It's important to remember to limit excessive touching of the eyes, nose, and mouth to reduce the risk of spreading viruses. After blowing your nose, wash your hands and throw away the disposable tissue.

If you have a cold, flu, or symptoms such as a cough, runny nose, sore throat, or upper respiratory tract infection, I recommend staying home and limiting contact with other people. This is especially true for children, who are more likely to spend time in groups during the flu season and transmit viruses more easily. Frequent airing of rooms and maintaining proper air humidity can help alleviate symptoms. If you don't have a fever and weather conditions are favorable, I recommend taking walks outdoors.

A diet rich in vitamin C and proper hydration are also important. Medications such as ibuprofen and paracetamol, as well as saline nebulization, can be helpful.

Influenza may require antiviral treatment, so it's important to start treatment as soon as symptoms appear. In some cases, after close contact with an infected person, your doctor may recommend antiviral prophylaxis. If you experience difficulty breathing, chest or abdominal pain, high fever, dizziness, seizures, or suspect complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia, you should consult a doctor immediately. This is especially important for children, seniors, and people with chronic illnesses.

Can it be prevented? What can you do to protect yourself during flu season?

It can and should be done. There are a few fundamental recommendations that shouldn't be forgotten. Let's remember them!

Healthy diet

A healthy diet supports the proper functioning of the body and helps strengthen the immune system. It's important to include vegetables, fruit, nuts, fish, dairy products, and whole grains in your daily diet. They provide vitamins, minerals, protein, and healthy fats, which are especially important during infectious season.

Proper hydration

Adequate hydration helps the body function properly and supports natural defense mechanisms. It's important to drink water regularly throughout the day, without waiting for a strong feeling of thirst. Fluid requirements increase during periods of fever, infection, physical exertion, and on warmer days, among other things.

Regular exercise

Regular physical activity helps strengthen the immune system and improves overall fitness. It doesn't have to be intense exercise—walking, cycling, gymnastics, and stretching are also important. It's important to be consistent and adapt your activity to your age, abilities, and health.

Body regeneration

Sleep is a time when the body rests, regenerates, and supports the immune system. Adults should sleep an average of 7–9 hours per night, although individual needs may vary. Sleep deprivation can contribute to weakness, poor concentration, and increased susceptibility to infection.

Take care of your surroundings, rest and prevention

It's also important to take care of your mental health. Stress can weaken your immune system , so it's important to remember relaxation exercises and rest. Maintaining the hygiene of rooms where we spend a lot of time is essential. Maintaining humidity, regularly airing them, and cleaning surfaces that harbor viruses and bacteria can help prevent illness. It's also important to remember hygiene when preparing meals and avoid tasting them while infected. Wearing appropriate clothing, adapted to the weather, is also crucial. The best preventative measure against influenza and its complications is annual vaccination.

Thank you for the interview