SAEDNEWS: Uncover the latest breakthrough about winter colds in this report from TottyNews.
Winter is notorious for colds and respiratory infections, partly because we spend more time indoors. But until now, it wasn’t clear whether cold, damp weather actually weakens our immune system. Recent research sheds light on how the immune defenses in our noses fight viral invaders—and why this system works better when warm.
Researchers published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology explain that tiny structures in nasal cells, called extracellular vesicles (EVs), act like miniature traps. When healthy and at normal body temperature, these EVs intercept viruses before they can infect cells, similar to a bee trap protecting a hive.
To test whether temperature affects this defense, scientists cultured nasal samples at normal body temperature (37°C) and at cooler temperatures (32°C), reflecting the drop in nasal temperature in cold weather. At lower temperatures, fewer EVs were produced, and viruses—such as rhinoviruses and seasonal coronaviruses—were more successful at evading them.
Previous studies support these findings: cold weather helps respiratory viruses spread more effectively. Rhinoviruses, for example, thrive in cooler nasal passages, and influenza spreads more efficiently in cold conditions.
“This work could open doors to new therapies that harness the nose’s natural defenses against colds, flu, and even COVID-19,” says Mansour Amiji, lead researcher. “Imagine creating artificial viral sponges—decoys that trap viruses before they reach real cells.”
The study offers a scientific explanation for the seasonal surge in colds: it’s not just being indoors—it’s also that the nasal immune system is less active when it’s cold.
