TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Winter is coming to several countries, and the influenza season is coming too. The Center for Diseas Control and Prevention (CDC), on Friday, the flu season reaches its peak in United States between December and Ferbuary. But why is this disease often spread wider during the cold weather?
Scientists have yet to know why exactly the flu disease increase during the winter. However, some studies shown that the particles of influenza virus survive in the dry and cold weather for quite a long time.
A study in 2008 revealed that layers of influenza virus hardened on cold weather. This condition allow this microbe to get into human body through air. Then the virus would spread quickly among people that gather in one room.
"The virus likes to live in cold temperatures in the air," said Dr. Len Horovitz, a pulmonary specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, as quoted by Livescience.
"It seems to survive better in cold temperatures."
The best way to get protection from the flu is to get an annual flu shot, the CDC said. The agency recommends a flu shot for everyone ages six months and older.
CDC | AMRI MAHBUB
