The beginning of the cold season is a headache for parents of (pre)school-age children, but not only for them. Parents get infected from their children, then they infect their colleagues at work, who then infect their household members... A vicious circle is created that can paralyze not only family life, but also the work of entire teams in the office. Manufacturers of immune-boosting drugs are also taking advantage of this situation by intensively advertising their products. Their sales increase dramatically during the "infection season". For example, during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Poles bought 40% more "immunity-enhancing" dietary supplements and vitamin D preparations 1 .
However, do typical "immunity" drugs actually help avoid infections? The question remains open. Immunity is a very complex mechanism that cannot be repaired or strengthened with one pill. We will present in this article how it really works and what myths related to the functioning of our immune system are most often repeated during the cold season.
Yes, when the air temperature drops, more cases of colds and infections occur , but they are not directly caused by the cold. There are several real causes of infection during this period. By accumulating, they cause us to often catch colds at the end of summer, autumn and the beginning of spring 2.3 . Firstly, lower air temperature creates better conditions for the multiplication of viruses that cause colds (e.g. rhinoviruses).
Secondly, cold weather means that we spend more and more time in closed spaces , where viruses that have multiplied have ideal conditions to spread between people. Thirdly, contact with cold and heating (including air conditioning) causes the mucous membranes , the first line of defense against infections in our body, to become drier and, as a result, less resistant to pathogens. The way out - drink as much water as possible and spend less time in closed, crowded spaces , as well as take care of hand hygiene .
The immune system is a very complex mechanism . In terms of complexity, it is second only to the brain. And just as there is no single pill that would restore the effectiveness of our thought processes, it is impossible to strengthen immunity with just one syrup or one vitamin . The functioning of the immune system is based on the joint work of billions(!) of immune cells and the transmission of signals between them. The immune system has its own memory and the ability to recognize enemies and produce weapons against them. All this work involves various organs and parts of our body, including: bone marrow, blood, lymph, intestines, etc 4 .
If one drug or dietary supplement could conduct this entire orchestra, none of us would ever get sick. However, what you can do is to take care of your body's needs holistically . First of all, by providing it with all the necessary nutrients (in the form of a varied diet and wise supplementation that helps to compensate for deficiencies). Equally important is quality sleep and rest, as well as the necessary dose of physical activity . Holistic care for the fundamental needs of our body throughout the year is the basis for the proper functioning of all its systems, including the immune system.
As already mentioned above, the immune system is very complicated. It includes not only "soldiers" fighting pathogens , but also special mechanisms that block or weaken their attack at the right moment. 5 . The immune system evaluates the effectiveness of its actions and at a certain stage sends a "stop" signal to soldiers (immune cells) .
If this does not happen (for various reasons), too intense immune activities may turn against the host - e.g. in the form of a cytokine storm, oxidative stress or autoimmune diseases (including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, celiac disease, psoriasis). 6 . If we want to get sick less often, our goal should not be to look for the strongest drug in the pharmacy to strengthen immunity, but to support its optimal functioning. A well-functioning immune system is one that can quickly recognize an enemy and neutralize it with the appropriate weapon (we don't always need the heaviest one).
Most of us have negative associations with fever, especially in children. When we see an increase in temperature on the thermometer, we often instinctively reach for measures to lower it. However, fever in the event of a cold, flu or infection is a natural mechanism that means that the immune system is fighting pathogens. This mechanism is helpful 7 for several reasons. First, a fever causes the body to release certain types of proteins, which in turn turn specific genes that stimulate the immune system on and off. 8 .
Secondly, increased body temperature creates unfavorable conditions for the reproduction of hostile viruses and bacteria 9 . Does this mean we don't need antipyretics at all? Of course not, but before we use any of them, it is worth giving the body a chance and some time to fight the infection . Often this means only (and as much as) that we need a moment of relaxation and rest . The evaluation criterion may be, for example, how we feel. If we can tolerate the number 38 or even 39 on the thermometer quite normally, we may not need antipyretic drugs. However, if the temperature keeps rising and makes us feel very bad, it means that it is worth seeking pharmacological treatment in consultation with a doctor.
Bibliography: K. Redmerska, "Poles love to buy dietary supplements during the pandemic", praw.pl, December 28, 2021. Jamie Aske, “What's the link between cold weather and the common cold?”, October 23, 2018, medicalnewstoday.com. Why People Get Sick When the Seasons Change (and How to Avoid It!), April 10, 2018, Wilson Medic One, wilsonmedicone.com.au. Dettmer, “Immune - A Journey into the Mysterious System That Keeps You Alive”, 2021, Hodder & Stoughton. Blach-Olszewska Z, Leszek J. Mechanisms of over-activated innate immune system regulation in autoimmune and neurodegenerative disorders. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2007 Jun;3(3):365-72. Is Your Immune System Unhealthy? Why Things Can Go Wrong, December 7, 2016, Cleveland Clinic, health.clevelandclinic.org. Maria Cohut, Why fever can be your friend in times of illness, March 14, 2022, Medical News Today, medicalnewstoday.com. V. Harper, DJ Woodcock, C. Lam et al, Temperature regulates NF-κB dynamics and function through timing of A20 transcription, May 14, 2018, PNAS, 115 (22) E5243-E5249. What causes a fever?, Scientific American, November 21, 2005, scientificamerican.com.
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Napisała: Hanna Borowska
Editor, journalist, science writer, certified nutrition consultant. Motherhood made her interest in health issues change the direction of her professional path. She has completed several trainings and courses in Poland and abroad in the field of dietetics, functional medicine and aromatherapy. She is passionate about the unexplored power of the human microbiome. She graduated with honors from the Faculty of Journalism and Political Science at the University of Warsaw. For many years associated with Euroradio.fm.
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