The truth about Autumn colds and coughs

You can hear it in the offices, and you can hear it at home - the sound of someone coughing or sneezing. 

It feels like Summer has barely had a chance to end before the winter health problems surface. 

So why do so many people get sick at the start of Autumn? 

Doctor Kalai Govender, a GP from the Newmarket Medical Centre in Auckland answered our questions on why so many of us have coughs and colds at this time of year.

Q: Why do people seem to catch colds and coughs so easily in March – after having a healthy Summer?

A: It starts to get cold in the mornings and evenings but still hot during the day.  We tend to catch colds more when the weather is cold.

Q: Why do we catch more colds during colder weather?

A: Current scientific theory is that influences of cold viruses survive better in cold, dry, weather and our sluggish cold weather mucus cannot clear the viruses.

Q: Are there any other reasons why colds jump in Autumn?

A: Schools open in February and viruses spread amongst children in close contact with each other.

Q: What’s your advice to people who feel a cold starting to come on?

A: Treat themselves symptomatically.  Eg. If you have a runny nose get cold and flu pills or nasal inhalers.  Take a paracetamol for pain and fever.  Increase your fluids and make sure you get plenty of rest.

Of course, see a Doctor if symptoms persist or worsen. 
 

Our thanks to Dr Govender.

- WeatherWatch.co.nz

- Homepage image / Greg Taylor