Enjoying the outdoors during the summer holidays can help us feel refreshed and strong, but as soon as September comes around our health often quickly plummets. Nasty coughs and colds often accompany the start of autumn and can be really debilitating. But what are the reasons behind this annual surge in illnesses, and what can do to protect ourselves from germs? Why do lots of people get ill this time of year? “During this time of year, many individuals return to close-contact environments such as schools, universities and workplaces after summer holidays.
This increased interaction with new people, combined with the onset of cooler weather, contributes to higher infection rates,” says Dr Vikram Murthy, NHS and private GP and co-founder of Harley Street clinic Murthy Health. But why are we more likely to feel ill when the weather gets cooler? “The cooler months are characterised by drier air, which can weaken the body’s natural defense mechanisms in the nasal passages,” explains Murthy. “Additionally, the cold weather creates a more favourable environment for bacteria and viruses to thrive, increasing the likelihood of infections.
This combination of factors leads to a higher prevalence of coughs and colds during the winter months.” How do these illnesses spread? Coughs, colds and flu are caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria and spread through respiratory droplets or by contact with contaminated surfaces. “You can catch the flu by touching a door handle.