“Put on a jacket so you don’t catch a cold!” You’ve likely heard your mom say this or some variation of it growing up. As it turns out, she was on to something.

New research suggests that colder weather does, in fact, make us more susceptible to illness.

Your nose is the body’s first line of defense against respiratory viruses. It secretes mucus that helps filter and warm the air you breathe. However, researchers have found cold weather can limit this defense mechanism.

“The cold weather and the cool, dry air reduce mucus secretions in our upper respiratory tract,” says Dr. Jack Sutcliffe, a physician with Tidelands Health Family Medicine at Pawleys Island. “These secretions act as our body’s natural barrier to infection, and when they’re compromised, viruses have an easier time getting in the body and attaching to our nasal cells.”

Of course, when it’s cold outside, more people spend more time indoors. This creates the perfect environment for viruses to spread through close contact with others.

“Enclosed spaces with poor ventilation make it easier for respiratory viruses to spread,” says Dr. Sutcliffe. “Combine that with weaker immune defenses, and you have a higher likelihood of getting sick.”

While you can’t avoid all germs, there are some things you can do to help limit your risk of exposure and help your body’s immunity.

• Wash your hands: Regularly washing your hands with soap and water is a good habit to have year-round, not just in the winter.
• Cover your mouth: Use a tissue or your elbow to cover your cough or sneeze, instead of your hands.
• Don’t spread it: Wait at least 24 hours after your fever is gone before leaving home, unless you need medical care.
• Get vaccinated: Your best defense against the flu is to get vaccinated. Flu shots are readily available at Tidelands Health Family Medicine locations.
• Practice healthy habits: You can help your immune system by getting enough sleep, staying active, managing your stress, staying hydrated and eating a well-balanced diet.

If you do end up getting sick this season, Tidelands Health is here for all your health care needs. You can schedule an appointment through the MyChart patient portal, which is available in the My Tidelands Health app and at tidelandshealth.org, or by calling 1-866-TIDELANDS.