[Lex Computer & Tech Group/LCTG] why do you get sick in the winter

Fri Jan 6 10:37:43 PST 2023

 Basically, the mechanism behind most nasal allergies is that the body overreacts to common irritants. This involves eosinophil actions, including producing histamine. Excess histamine production causes first inflammation of the nasal membranes, but then secretion of a lot of mucous. That final step -- mucous secretion -- sheds viruses and dust and other environmental irritants. 
So people with allergies get extra winter protection due to the symptoms of a stuffy/runny nose and sneezing. Pretty much defeating the drying out which the Wired article cites as a reason non-allergic people get sick more often in winter. This does not mean people with allergies don't ever get sick -- just less often and maybe less severely, due to lower virus loads when we do get sick. 
Scientists finally know why people get more colds and flu in winter
https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/06/health/why-winter-colds-flu-wellness/index.html 

Allergies May Actually Help Fend Off the Common Cold
https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20000606/allergies-defense-against-common-cold

Got allergies? You could be at lower risk of catching COVIDEvidence has shown that people with allergies and asthma are at lower risk of contracting COVID-19. Here’s why we think this might be.
https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/got-allergies-you-could-be-lower-risk-catching-covid 

A good humidifier would also help non-allergic people.
As Ted Kochansky correctly notes, we also should be thinking about upgrading filtration of indoor air. And getting better air exchange between outside air and indoor air. Airtight buildings are not necessarily more energy efficient than buildings with adequate air exchange with outdoor air. But allowing better air exchange and better filtration will reduce employee and student sick days, which would have a serious economic upside. Not to mention possibly keeping many people out of hospitals and preventing long-term health effects from COVID-19. 
If worn properly, N95 and KN95 masks can also help prevent the spread of infections. Part of the reason they work is not the filtration qualities, but keeping the nose area warm and moist. 
-- Bob Primak
    On Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 10:32:41 PM EST, john rudy <jjrudy1 at comcast.net> wrote:  

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Why?

John Rudy

781-861-0402

781-718-8334 (cell)

John.rudy at alum.mit.edu 

13 Hawthorne Lane

Bedford, MA  01730-1047

From: Robert Primak <bobprimak at yahoo.com> 
Sent: Thursday, January 5, 2023 10:25 PM
To: Lex Computer Group <lctg at lists.toku.us>; john rudy <jjrudy1 at comcast.net>
Subject: Re: [Lex Computer & Tech Group/LCTG] why do you get sick in the winter

It has also been found that people with allergies tend to be better protected against winter infections. 

-- Bob Primak

On Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 08:11:44 PM EST, john rudy <jjrudy1 at comcast.net> wrote: 

Interesting article from WIRED

https://www.wired.com/story/why-do-you-get-sick-in-the-winter-blame-your-nose/?bxid=5bf82a6624c17c5aa3198362&cndid=28192571&esrc=bouncexmulti_first&source=EDT_WIR_NEWSLETTER_0_DAILY_ZZ&utm_brand=wired&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_content=WIR_Daily_010223&utm_mailing=WIR_Daily_010223&utm_medium=email&utm_source=nl&utm_term=P2

John Rudy

781-861-0402

781-718-8334 (cell)

John.rudy at alum.mit.edu 

13 Hawthorne Lane

Bedford, MA  01730-1047

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