Rhinoviruses everywhere rejoice when cold weather arrives. Apparently, the cold air suppresses immune response, making rhinovirus infections more likely.
I can attest to this. Only 30 minutes of vigorous walking in the cold yesterday were enough to produce the characteristic throat soreness that signals a cold. I knew I had been exposed, but it was time to exercise. Under normal conditions, moderate exercise helps improve immune response. But at 29º F., with the wind blowing, it was impossible to be out for long without getting very cold – and making my upper respiratory tract vulnerable.
Here’s how it works: “Low temperatures dampen natural defenses against rhinoviruses, the leading causes of seasonal colds, in mice and in human airway cells” says researcher Ellen Foxman. For more, see: Cold Viruses Thrive in Frosty Conditions.
So a change in regimen was called for. My usual routine, designed to slow cell replication, (to preserve adult stem cells) is not appropriate when facing an immediate immune challenge. Instead, one needs to be a bit protective. Warm food that boosts immune response, for example, is necessary.
Accordingly, shortly after rising, I had mushroom soup, followed by a warm shower. We raised the temperature a few degrees on the thermostat too. Rhinoviruses do not do well in heat, and, indeed, after only a few hours my symptoms were noticeably reduced. For more about jump-starting your immune system to combat a cold, see: Boosting Immunity and Swine Flu on LivingTheCRWay.
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