Scientists studied flu in winter and concluded that cold air damages the immune response in the nose
Whenever winters arrive, people become happy for the chilly and peaceful nights but they start dreading the common cold and flu that comes along.
Scientists have been studying for a long time regarding the cause of flu and how it escalates in winter more than in any other season.
They found out that cold air in winter damages the immune response in the nose which causes respiratory problems.
In the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, scientists mentioned that they have found a molecular and biological explanation for colds.
They further suggest that reducing the temperatures in nose can kill 50% of the viruses and bacteria fighting cells in the nostrils which damages the immune response.
Rhinologist Doctor Zara Patel who is a professor of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine in California says, “this is the first time that we have a biologic, molecular explanation regarding one factor of our innate immune response that appears to be limited by colder temperatures.”
Scientists revealed that when the germs or chilly air attacks the nose, the skin lining in the nose starts producing billions of simple cells called extracellular vesicles or EVs that fight the germs, viruses and bacteria.
However, if the temperature in the nose drops to 5 degree Celsius or less, then EVs are unable to protect the the invading viruses and bacteria which results in flu.
Scientists recommend to wear masks and protect noses from feeling the chilly air in winter.
