Cold weather increases risk of respiratory illness in eastern Idaho

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - When you were a kid, your parents may have told you to put on your coat or you'd catch a cold. Catching an illness from low temperatures alone is not possible, but there is a correlation between getting sick and the cold weather.

"So normally here in eastern Idaho we hit our peak around early January," said Esmy Quintero, the clinical services manager for Eastern Idaho Public Health. "And so we have seen an increase in influenza like illnesses in the area, but we're still not at our peak level yet."

The Mayo Clinic states you cannot catch a cold, the flu, or other illnesses without a virus present. However, when it's cold outside, we start spending more time inside with poor ventilation, which lets germs pass easily from person to person. So getting sick can be the indirect cause of the cold weather.

The Cleveland Clinic found that the cold, dry air dries out your nasal passages and mucus membranes, which are your body's first line of defense against trapping and stopping viruses. Meaning it is easier to catch these illnesses and get sick.

"We always encourage people to stay home when they're sick," Quintero said. "They should cover their coughing, sneezes, and then disinfect any frequently touched surfaces throughout this respiratory season. Also get vaccinated."

Getting vaccinated for the Flu, Covid, RSV, and other illnesses can prevent them spreading. Eastern Idaho Public Health states getting a vaccine isn't just beneficial to you, but to our entire community.

"The flu vaccine is recommended every year just because there are various strains of the influenza virus that circulate," Quintero explained. "Anybody over the age of six months is eligible to receive this flu vaccine, especially if you're immunocompromised or, or have or live with a family member who's immunocompromised. It's just very important to give vaccinated to help prevent the spread not only to yourself, but to the community."

Someone who is immunocompromised has an immune system that isn't working as well as it should, making illnesses easier to contract and harder to fight off. They get sick more often and severely.

Eastern Idaho Public Health is offering free vaccinations for Covid, the Flu, RSV, and many other vaccines. You just have to call to schedule your appointment.

They have 9 office locations in Eastern Idaho:

• Bonneville County Office
  • (208) 522-0310
• Clark County Office
  • (208) 533-3220
• Custer County Office
  • (208) 522-8064
• Fremont County Office
  • (208) 522-8065
• Jefferson County Office
  • (208) 745-7297
• Lemhi County Office
  • (208) 756-2123
• Mackay Office
  • (208) 522-8064
• Madison County Office
  • (208) 356-3239
• Teton County Office
  • (208) 522-8066

For more information about the immunizations and Eastern Idaho Public Health, here is the link to their website.