Why is it Flu Season?

Written by: Sitara Nair

Have you heard more people sneezing and coughing lately? Well, that’s probably since it’s flu season in the Northern hemisphere! Let’s learn about the flu, why it’s flu season, and what you can do to prevent catching it!

What is the flu?

Influenza, or the “flu,” is a sickness caused by tiny germs called viruses. These germs are so small that you can’t see them, but they can get inside your body through your nose, mouth, or eyes.

When you have the flu, you might:

• Get a fever (feel hot)

• Have a cough or sore throat

• Feel really tired

• Have a runny or stuffy nose

• Get body aches or chills

The flu spreads easily from one person to another. If someone who is sick coughs, sneezes, or even talks, tiny droplets with the virus can float in the air. If another person breathes them in or touches a surface with the germs, they can get sick too.

Even though the flu can make you feel really bad, most people get better in about a week. Resting, drinking plenty of water, and staying warm can help your body fight the virus.

Washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and getting a flu shot can help protect you and others from getting sick.

Why is it flu season now?

There are a couple reasons why October-December specifically is called “flu season”. The combination of factors including colder, drier air that supports virus survival and transmission, and the fact that humans tend to have more indoor contact during this time, is what contributes to the significant spread. Additionally, the virus tends to be more stable under such conditions, and cold air may reduce the effectiveness of the nasal immune response. When the weather gets colder, the flu virus actually becomes tougher. It forms a protective outer layer that hardens in low temperatures. This “armor” helps the virus survive for a longer time on surfaces like doorknobs or tables, and even stay active in the air. Cold air is usually drier too, and this dry air lets tiny virus-filled droplets travel farther before they fall to the ground. That means people can be exposed to the virus more easily.

Cold weather doesn’t just help the virus; it also makes our bodies more vulnerable. When the temperature inside your nose drops, your immune system doesn’t work as well. Important immune cells that would normally destroy invading viruses can be damaged or even die off. As a result, your body is less able to fight infections, making it easier to catch the flu in colder months.

Additionally winter behavior affects the spread of the virus. When the temperature drops, people naturally change their habits in ways that make it easier for viruses to spread. First, colder weather pushes people to spend more time indoors. Whether it’s at home, work, or school, being in enclosed spaces with others means we’re breathing the same air and sharing the same environment. If someone is sick, their germs can spread more easily through the air or on shared surfaces like door handles, tables, or light switches. Second, winter is a season filled with holidays and celebrations. People often gather for parties, family dinners, and community events. These gatherings usually take place indoors, where ventilation is limited and many people are in close contact. This creates the perfect opportunity for viruses to move from person to person, increasing the chances of infection.

Overall, make sure you get your vaccines and watch out for the flu this season! Always remember to bring a coat and wash your hands wherever you are!