Question

Explain why there are more cases of the flu in the winter than any other month

Answer 1

Answer:

1) During the winter, people spend more time indoors with the windows sealed, so they are more likely to breathe the same air as someone who has the flu and thus contract the virus (3).

2) Days are shorter during the winter, and lack of sunlight leads to low levels of vitamin D and melatonin, both of which require sunlight for their generation. This compromises our immune systems, which in turn decreases ability to fight the virus

3) The influenza virus may survive better in colder, drier climates, and therefore be able to infect more people