Can Weather Change Make You Sick?

Have you ever wondered why the changing of seasons can leave you feeling so crummy? Or why your bum knee always seems to swell up right before it’s about to snow? Understanding the toll that weather changes take on your body is the best way to reduce their impact.

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Family medicine expert Neha Vyas, MD, explains why atmospheric changes can wreak havoc on our bodies, especially our immune systems. Dr. Vyas also offers advice to feel better and reduce your chances of getting sick.

How weather changes impact your health

The weather doesn’t just affect your plans. It affects your body (and behavior), too. From temperature swings to shifts in humidity, changes in the environment can affect your health in surprising ways.

Here are just a few examples of common weather changes and their health impacts.

Cold weather

“Cold air irritates airways and can trigger asthma in some people,” Dr. Vyas says. “And the dry air dehydrates and cracks your mucus membranes, increasing your vulnerability to viruses and worsening respiratory issues.”

Cold weather also prompts behavior changes that increase your risk of getting sick. After all, when it’s chilly outside, you’re more likely to hang out inside. And so is everyone else. Cold weather indoor gatherings are a big reason cold and flu season is so predictable.

“There are more germs indoors and the ventilation isn’t as good,” she adds. “When you’re around more people, viruses spread more easily.”

Cold stress is also a serious concern when temperatures drop below freezing.

Warm weather

Dr. Vyas says that hot weather puts added stress on your heart and blood vessels. It also causes dehydration, exhaustion and other complications, like heat stroke.

Also, late spring and summer are ideal for spending time outdoors. All that fresh air means you’re less likely to get a respiratory infection. But it also means allergy season is in full swing. And that can make you feel just as gross.

Barometric pressure changes

Sudden changes in air pressure can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

Joint stiffness
Migraines
Sinus problems
Shortness of breath
Fatigue

It can even affect blood pressure and balance, particularly for people with inner ear or certain nervous system disorders.

Changing humidity

High humidity puts added stress on your body.

“When there’s a lot of moisture in the air, it can cause fatigue, joint pain and breathing difficulties, especially if you have chronic health issues,” Dr. Vyas explains. “Mold, fungi and allergens thrive in high humidity, too.”

Meanwhile, low humidity has a drying effect. That can be bad news for your immune system because it can cause systemic inflammation and damage your body’s natural defenses, like your skin and mucous membranes.

Interestingly, both high and low humidity can increase your risk of dehydration. So, be sure to drink plenty of water all year long.

Precipitation

Warm, wet weather creates an ideal environment for:

Mosquitoes
Bacteria
Fungi
Mold

Rainy weather also tends to make seasonal allergies worse.

Snowy or icy conditions can be just as hazardous: The combo of below-freezing temperatures and wet weather can cause hypothermia if you’re exposed to it for too long and aren’t properly dressed.

UV radiation

Sunscreen is essential year-round, but even more so when the UV index is high. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to sunburns, hyperpigmentation and increased risk of skin cancer.

How to prevent illness when the weather changes

Ways to stay healthy during weather changes

There’s no such thing as a “healthy time of year.” Every season, and every weather pattern, brings its own set of challenges. By understanding how weather impacts your health and behavior, you can take proactive steps to stay well no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.

Dr. Vyas recommends the following to help protect you and your family against weather-related symptoms and common seasonal ailments.

Check the forecast. If you know there’s a cold front and dry air moving in later in the week, for example, you can increase your fluid intake, moisturize your skin and run your humidifier ahead of time.
Take OTC medications if you feel sick. Have allergy medicine, nasal sprays, cough syrup, painkillers and more on hand. And don’t wait until you’re absolutely miserable to use them. But do confirm with a pharmacist or your healthcare provider that each product is safe to take with your other medications.
Stay hydrated. Whether you’re contending with cold or dry air or sweating in the sun, staying properly hydrated is crucial. “You may not always feel thirsty, but it’s easy to become dehydrated when the seasons change,” Dr. Vyas notes.
Shower or take a bath. A shower and change of clothes can keep you from bringing outdoor allergens inside with you. For inflammation and aching muscles, soak in a warm bath. Just make sure to apply moisturizer when you’re done to protect your skin.
Maintain a balanced diet. “Fresh fruits and vegetables can go a long way to making you feel and stay healthy,” Dr. Vyas reports. She recommends following the Mediterranean Diet to keep your immune system firing on all cylinders.
Stay active. The weather outside may be frightful, but there’s plenty of indoor exercises and mindful movement practices you can do to support your immune system.
Prioritize sleep. When you shuffle off to dreamland, your immune system is hard at work rebuilding your defenses. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep a night, every night. It’ll make you less vulnerable to illness, even if the weather decides to throw you a curveball.
Dress for the weather. This is especially important during the winter months. “We lose a lot of heat from our head, fingers, toes, ears, nose and mouth,” Dr. Vyas explains. “Those are the places you want to cover to maintain warmth and protect your immune system.”
Be proactive about prevention. Getting screenings, vaccinations and an annual physical can help you build resilience against weather-related crud. Bonus: Identifying chronic illnesses and health risks earlier gives you a better shot at managing them successfully.

“You can’t control the weather, but you can prepare for it,” Dr. Vyas notes. “Taking steps ahead of time to reduce its impact — like dressing appropriately, staying hydrated and monitoring your health — can make a big difference for your day-to-day quality of life.”