On the wings of 41 degrees
Cold winter weather has a supporting effect on the flu virus, according to new research. This explains why the flu vaccine is so prevalent during the colder months and virtually non-existent in July.
The flu is also not much of an issue in the tropics. Therein lies one of the first clues to the seemingly mysterious virus that mutates—and vexes us—annually.
A research group wanted to settle the age-old question of "why winter?"
There have been many theories. Children usually take the brunt of the blame—if for no other reason than, at their tender age, they're easy pickings when it comes to science and logic. And no one can deny that most kids aren't keen on washing their hands, so in their small way, a lot of children may earn that bad rap.
Another long-standing theory is a take-off on the children-as-responsible-party theory: Everyone crowded close together indoors through the winter months.
But what's different for adults in the warmer months as opposed to the summer months? Everyone still has to work, so it's not like the school kids, who get their summer break.
The researchers wanted to put these varying theories to the test, but they were going to be hard-pressed to find many humans willing to sign up for exposing themselves to flu transmission. And mice can't transmit the virus, even when infected.
A solution was discovered when one of the researchers stumbled across an old paper on the topic of a flu epidemic. It was noted that the guinea pigs began to die soon after the outbreak, obviously able to be infected and transmit. So, they literally found their "guinea pigs" for the experiment.
The animals were exposed to the flu virus, then promptly contracted and transmitted it. Air temperature and humidity were slid up and down the scale. The ideal range (for the flu virus, anyway) for transmission was at 41 degrees. And just like in the tropics, the higher the temp and humidity, the lower the chance of it getting a leg up on you and infecting.
Also, the virus was shed almost 48 hours longer at the 41-degree mark than in an adequately heated room.
The flu virus is able to maintain its mode of transmission better because it travels in airborne droplets. Too humid, and it becomes soggy and can't bear the weight to remain airborne.
The best way to avoid flu is to keep your immune system primed. You have a better chance of combating the virus if you're eating right, drinking plenty of fluids and getting adequate rest every single night.
