When it comes to winter weather, it brings its own beautiful attributes, like any other season. Nonetheless, the saying goes, “Beauty is pain,” and that pain comes in the form of obnoxious illnesses and dangerous temperatures.
Catching the common cold can be just as easy as breathing oxygen. In fact, that’s how it’s usually transmitted. During the winter, it travels around like a vacation holiday. Despite the name, the common cold isn’t a result from the body dropping in temperature, but rather the body becoming vulnerable. When exposed to freezing weather, the immune system can weaken, giving an opening for viruses, infections, or bacteria to infiltrate the body. In a way, cold weather acts as a middleman for actual viruses. Most symptoms of common colds are the immune system’s attempt at making the body an inhabitable environment. Those who’ve had the common cold can agree that it does a good job at making the body uncomfortable for bacteria, maybe a bit too uncomfortable.
Unlike the common cold, hypothermia is actually caused by freezing temperatures and can’t be fought back. Most of the symptoms associated with it are actual impairments and damage. Although Ohio isn’t Antarctica, the average temperature for Ohioan winters are between 34° to 36° Fahrenheit. Meaning, it only takes about 1-2 hours for hypothermia to set in 38° weather. As the temperature drops lower, the time for hypothermia prevention follows. The average low for winter is 20° F, so it can take only 30 minutes before the weather becomes detrimental. Anything below the average means that it can take about 10 minutes or less before it sets in. However, these estimates exclude other factors such as wind chill, moisture, as well as individualized factors like age, mass, and overall health. Contrary to popular belief, athletic activities can help hypothermia set in due to the body releasing sweat or moisture. Anything wet seems to be the common issue.
Of course, both the common cold and hypothermia can be avoided, especially in a place such as Ohio. Putting on a coat and bundling up makes all the difference in preventing congestion or frostbite.
