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GP's Guide: Stay Healthy This Winter
20 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Cold air weakens nasal defenses and increases virus transmission indoors.
- Cold weather constricts blood vessels, raising blood pressure and heart rate.
- Winter conditions can trigger eczema, dry skin, and Raynaud's flare-ups.
As winter grips, a general practitioner offers vital insights into how cold weather impacts physical health. Viruses thrive in colder, drier air, while indoor proximity enhances transmission. Cold temperatures can also diminish the nose's natural defenses and elevate stress hormones, potentially lowering immunity and increasing susceptibility to infections.
The body's response to cold includes vasoconstriction, narrowing blood vessels which can elevate blood pressure and strain the heart. Individuals with pre-existing conditions like asthma or eczema are particularly vulnerable, experiencing aggravated symptoms such as breathlessness, dry skin, and flare-ups. Raynaud's condition is also a common winter trigger.
Practical advice for navigating winter health includes layering clothing for warmth, protecting extremities, staying hydrated, and maintaining good nutrition. Staying active supports circulation and immunity, though caution is advised for outdoor exercise in extreme cold. Keeping homes warm and consulting a doctor about vaccinations are also essential steps for winter well-being.
