Can a sudden change in weather make you sick?

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Temperatures going up and down this week may have you sniffing, sneezing or coughing. And you may be wondering: can these quickly changing weather conditions make you sick?

The answer is... quickly changing weather conditions don’t make you sick, but they can increase your chances of getting sick.

During Winter, dry air masses are a dominant feature. Cold, dry air dries out the mucus membranes in our bodies and that can allow viruses to enter quicker. Cracks in the mucus membranes can allow those viruses to settle and access your body.

While the temperature swings themselves don’t necessarily cause a cold, they can cause pressure in your nose and head that leads to allergies, and they can increase the odds of catching a virus, according to research found by the Cleveland Clinic.

When the air gets colder, it weakens our immune system, making us more susceptible to infections.

Doctors say that the combination of drier air, colder temperatures and exposure are what causes you to become sick. All of those things tend to happen when the temperature fluctuates.

Viruses thrive in colder air, so winter months and the cold snaps between season changes are prime times for illnesses. In those colder periods, more people are inside and usually around other people, which spreads sickness.

While doctors say it’s hard to fully prevent yourself from getting sick, there are some measures you can take to help stay healthy. Wearing a mask, staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy diet can help prevent illness during those temperature swings.