Why this time of year?

[pretty polly]

Why is it that SV's and flu's are more prevalent at this time of year? I
know most of you will say its due to change in the weather, but how
does the weather changing make more viruses? And how do these
bugs actually start? They obviously have to start somewhere. And I
wouldn't have said people wash their hands any less during the
winter so why do they become such a problem at this time of year.
And is there any truth in the idea that once the really cold frosts and
snow set in that they supposedly kill the germs off?? (Probably not
but its one I'd like to believe!!)
Just some questions to get your brains working!!

[babygap5]

I think its all has to due with the kids going back to school. Germs are everywhere, all the time. But, when kids go back to school, all you need is one sick kid, and every other kid gets it. Then the parents get it, and that's how it spreads. When the weather gets colder, people are also spending much more time inside, like malls and stuff, so it's like one big germ fest. Then with the holidays, everyone bakes which also spreads germs. You never know who may have not washed their hands when helping to make cookies, etc. That's how come I think sv and colds are so prevalent this time of year.

[esvachick]

it also has a lot to do with the fact that when it's cold, everyone is cooped up in the house together in small spaces, touching and breathing on everything. that's how stuff gets passed so easily!

[swiftette]

I have a freind, who last year had a New Year's Eve party and I guess her b.i.l and s.i.l are'nt all there because they brought their sick toddler (who had v and d)to this party. Well, over they next week, her, her hubby, their son, her m.i.l, f.i.l, aunt and a few other people at this party got this sv*. Also-being from Boston, I can tell ya first hand-there is no truth in the frost killing germs myth. Edited by: swiftette

[smaupi]

Hey Swiftette! I had a cousin who did the same thing at a family reunion in December one year. She brought a sick kid because she did not want to miss out on the party herself. So...the rest of us ended up ill for the holidays! Merry Freakin' Christmas huh?


I just moved from Missouri (not as cold as Boston, but it could get close!) and I agree...seems like the colder it got, the more sick everyone got.

[pretty polly]

Thats one thing that really annoys me, y'know. People who take sick
children out and about with them. Its really selfish in my opinion. Its
not fair on the poor child, and its certainly not fair on the other
people around them. Just because the parents want to have a good
time at a party, they drag their sick kids about, without a thought for
other people!

[liriodendron]

I read norwalk-like viruses actually sweep across the USA from
southwest to northeast, with the northeast getting hammered with
viruses showing early spring.

But then again I guess the question was for illnesses in general. The
other theories sound like they make sense. The only thing I might add
is drastic flutuation in humidity making matters more difficult for
immune systems. Too dry is bad and too wet is bad. Some parts of the
nation are warmer than others but this doesn't seem to make a
difference. The common thread is the rapid drops in humidity.



One might also say that bacterial gastroenteritis is common in summer
with picnic food safety gone awry and various outdoor activities such
as drinking out of a mountain stream.




Edited by: liriodendron

[madisonsmom]

Actually these bugs are around all year. It is worse this time of year, I believe, not because of the weather change per say, but people are more confined due to the colder weather and things spread quicker. People are in a moreconfined area...Like schools. All those kids togethor. Know what I mean??


For the past 2 summers we have gotten a tummy bug. I fret all winter and let my guard down and BAM...we get sick!


I always wonder where these bugscome from...they suck!

[samara's on tv]

Luckily I live by myself so I don't really have to worry about the spread of germs. If my sister or parents get sick then they tell me and I don't come over to the house that week.


But I also agree with not taking your sick kid to parties or in public. That's just wrong. I mean imagine how you would feel if YOU were sick and your husband/boyfriend/wife/girlfriend dragged you out of the house and to the mall or a party or something...it's not right!


~Monica

[2jo2]

I've also wondered this, and thought it had something to do with the humidity too. I thought the more dry, arid places, like southern CA and AZ didn't spread the virus so much.... I don't know.


And about bringing kids out who are sick, I was on a bowling league a few years ago, and this one woman would bring her kid to bowling every week. Apparently she didn't have daycare or something. Anyways, this one night, we were playing against her team and her kid was running around and then all of a sudden got really clingy with his mom and she ran with him to the bathroom and he didn't make it. He v'd all over the women's bathroom. She didn't stop bowling to take him home! She played one more game while he was all green sitting there, and I think v'd again. I was horrified and disgusted, and was so pissed! I quit later that season and haven't done it since. Yes, some people are absolutely selfish and unbelievable.