LA ÚLTIMA PALABRA SOBRE

The research
Researchers at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine have shown that the flu virus spreads more readily in cold, dry air.¹ Guinea pigs used in that study transmitted the flu more frequently at cool temperatures than they did at moderate ones, yet there was little difference in the guinea pigs’ ability to fight infection in the cold. Similarly, humidity levels above 80% nearly shut down the flu’s infectious abilities, while low humidities were most favorable for spreading illness.¹

Cómo se propagan los virus del resfrío y la gripe
Often you fall victim to a respiratory virus when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Sneezes can propel tiny potentially infectious droplets containing virus through the air (aerosol). Small particles do not settle and can travel distances through the air, while large particles can settle on surfaces. That’s how homes, offices, and classrooms are easily contaminated.²

The other common way to catch a cold is through contact with contaminated surfaces, whether that's an infected person or an object that has been touched or coughed on. Las superficies sólidas transmiten el virus más rápidamente que las superficies porosas, como las toallas y tapizados.

Flu virus spreads by small particle aerosols that do not settle and can be transmitted over relatively long distances by airflow. These can reach the lower airways when inhaled. ²

Cómo ingresan los virus a su cuerpo
Una vez que el virus de la gripe y el resfrío entran a su boca, sus ojos o su nariz, éste actúa rápidamente. Rhinovirus, the most common type of cold virus, attaches itself in the respiratory tract within minutes of contact, and symptoms often appear 10 to 12 hours later.³ The flu’s incubation period can be longer, one to seven days,⁴ but when it hits, it hits hard and fast. Fever and pronounced muscle weakness are telltale signs of flu but are nearly unheard of for a cold. ⁵

Avoiding or limiting your exposure to viruses
Currently, there is no cure for the common cold. Frequent hand washing with soap and water and avoiding infected people are your best defense,⁶ but not everyone who carries a cold virus shows symptoms if they are still in the incubation period of a cold or flu. Even those who appear healthy can be contagious—including you.

Also, not everyone who is exposed to a cold/flu virus will go on to actually get sick. Factors such as age, and whether your immune system has been exposed to that particular virus before, can impact whether and how you respond to a virus.⁵

The same advice goes for potential flu sufferers, who may improve their odds of avoiding illness by getting a flu shot in the fall at the beginning of cold and flu season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).⁷ (Just be aware that you could still get sick from a flu strain not covered by the vaccine.)

Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to find out whether a flu shot may be appropriate for you and your family. Learn more about the flu shot.