As seasons change and barometric pressure shifts, a common question from our patient is, “Can fluctuating weather make you sick?” The answer is yes. While the relationship between weather and illness is complex, your physiology does indeed react to changes in the weather.
It is more complex than that, primarily because drastic temperature changes can compromise your immune system. As a result, the “weakness sickness” you are experiencing may not be directly caused by climate change.
Why do you feel a bit different when the weather changes?
The popular English idiom “under the weather” isn’t a catchy phrase. Many people genuinely become ill when seasons or when temperature and barometric pressure fluctuate significantly. Several factors contribute to this “weather sickness”.
- Migraines or headaches
- Swollen tissues
- Reduced immunity
- Pressure in the sinuses
- Narrowed blood vessels
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Blood thickness in the joints
Consult the general medicine specialist in Coimbatore in case of any signs of fever due to climate change.
What is the body’s mechanism for fevers?
Before exploring the climate connection, let’s understand fevers. A fever is a temporary increase in your body temperature, often a sign your immune system is fighting off an infection. When bacteria, viruses, or pathogens invade, the body ramps up its internal thermostat. This creates a hostile environment for the invaders, affecting their growth and reproduction. Fevers themselves aren’t harmful, in most cases, they resolve on their own. However, very high fevers can be dangerous, especially young children. If you experience fever symptoms, it is crucial to consult a general doctor for diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause.
Is there a risk of mosquito-borne diseases due to climate change?
Now, let’s explore how climate change can indirectly influence fevers. A significant factor is the rise of mosquito-borne diseases. Mosquitoes grow well in warm, humid environments, and climate change is creating more favorable conditions for them to expand their range and become more active throughout the year.
Warmer temperatures allow mosquitoes to survive longer and reproduce more readily. Additionally milder winters mean these insects don’t die off as they used to. This translates to a larger mosquito population capable of transmitting diseases like malaria and dengue fever
all of which cause fevers as a symptom.
Places previously considered too cold for mosquito-borne illnesses are now experiencing outbreaks. Dengue fever, for example, was once limited to tropical regions. However, due to climate change, it is spreading to new areas, putting more people at risk of the fever associated with the disease.
What are the other climate-driven health risks?
Mosquitoes aren’t the only concern. Climate change can also influence the spread of other diseases that cause colds and fevers.
Tick-borne diseases:
Warmer temperatures and milder winters are leading to an increase in tick population leading to Lyme disease which can cause fevers.
Water-borne diseases:
Heavy rainfall and flooding events, more frequent due to climate change, can contaminate water sources with bacteria and parasites that cause diarrheal illnesses, often accompanied by fever.
What are the tips to prevent fevers during a climate change?
Even though you can never completely avoid getting sick, there are many things you can do to safeguard yourself and lessen your risk of getting sick.
Wear masks:
Masking is one habit that has emerged during the pandemic and may prove to be very advantageous in the future.
Stay warm:
Making sure you stay warm is another beneficial habit, especially when engaging in outdoor activities. Our head, fingers, toes, nose, mouth, and ears are the areas where we lose the most heat, so it’s important to keep them covered to stay warm and safeguard our immune systems.
Stay hydrated:
For your health, staying properly hydrated in colder weather is just as important as it is in warmer weather. It is important to keep your body properly hydrated even though you might not notice that the air is dryer and you might not feel as thirsty.
Important takeaway:
While climate change won’t directly cause a fever, it can significantly influence the spread of diseases with fever a symptom. By understanding these connections and taking needed actions we can work towards a healthier future for ourselves and generations to come.
Remember, addressing climate change is not just about protecting the environment. It is about protecting our health and well-being. Reach out to the general hospital in Coimbatore if you are experiencing any signs of fever.
