by Babatunde Odofin

As we approach the winter months and the temperature continues to drop daily, it is time to consider getting flu shots. Winter is a cold season characterized by shorter days and snow in some regions. While it is the holiday season and a period of joy for winter sports enthusiasts and players, many people find it challenging due to the cold and reduced daylight. Influenza (flu) and the common cold are viral diseases that are very common during the winter season and the occurrence of flu cases is expected to surge soon. Although there is not any evidence that winter is the direct cause of flu, it contributes greatly to the pathogenesis of the virus.  

Influenza is a highly contagious virus that has caused many dreadful pandemics in the past, including the 1918 Influenza outbreak, which is widely known as one of the deadliest pandemics in history. It is crucial to be aware of how the flu infection develops and the factors that contribute to its spread as we enter the winter season. The disease begins when the virus enters the nose or mouth of the host and uses its glycoprotein, hemagglutinin, to bind to the sialic acid receptor in the host’s upper respiratory tract. This is where the virus begins to replicate itself. Unfortunately, the virus compromises our respiratory defense mechanisms by destroying the mucus and ciliary escalator which normally traps and removes any foreign particles. As a result, it damages our tissue and causes flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, headache and coughing. 

During winter, factors such as the cold temperature and low humidity create conditions that make the virus more stable and increase its transmission through the air. This condition offers a suitable environment for the virus to thrive.  Moreover, the virus undergoes mutations leading to the formation of new strains that our body has no immunity against. This is why we need to get seasonal flu shots every year. Influenza can also spread through contact with infected persons, especially during gatherings that involve people carrying the virus. Our immunity is another factor that is implicated in the occurrence of Influenza infection.  A recent study by the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology discovered the biological reason why we are more prone to respiratory diseases during winter. They found out that cold air kills the normal flora in our noses. This defense mechanism helps fight other invading bacteria or viruses and its absence can make us more susceptible to flu infection. 

In conclusion, it is important to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of getting a flu infection during this time. One of the most effective ways is to get a seasonal flu vaccine, which can provide some immunity against the circulating strain. This vaccine is now available in the Student Health Center, and you can stop by today and get a free shot. Additionally, it is essential to avoid contact with sick individuals and maintain a healthy lifestyle to lower the risk of infection and transmission of the virus. Covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough, avoiding touching your face and disinfecting regularly, frequently washing your hands with soap and water, eating a nutritious diet and getting enough sleep are additional ways to limit the flu spread this year. Remember that the flu virus changes every season, so it is best to get your flu shots now!