It's not the cold that causes illness: here's the real reason why people tend to get sick more often in winter.

There is a common misconception that physical overcooling inevitably leads to a cold, as respiratory infections tend to increase in winter months. While colder weather can indeed make us more susceptible to infections, cold conditions do not actually cause illness initially, according to Live Science.

However, there are other conditions that can be triggered by low temperatures, such as hypothermia, which results from a dangerous drop in body temperature. Typically, body temperature remains around 37 degrees Celsius, give or take a degree. This temperature is essential for maintaining all normal physiological processes in the human body.

If a person is exposed to extremely low temperatures, the body may not generate heat as quickly as it loses it—resulting in a sharp drop in internal temperature. If it falls below 35 degrees Celsius, hypothermia may develop, with symptoms including:

• shivering;
• pallor;
• coldness;
• dry skin;
• slurred speech;
• slowed breathing.

Researchers note that if hypothermia is not treated, it can lead to organ dysfunction and failure, ultimately resulting in death.

According to Dr. Rachel Amdur, an associate professor at Northwestern University’s Department of Medicine, exposure to temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius, especially for prolonged periods, can cause frostbite. Typically, frostbite occurs in the body's extremities—fingers, toes, nose, and ears are the first to be affected.

Researchers point out that extreme cold causes water in tissues to freeze, which restricts blood flow and can lead to tissue death. As a result, a person's skin may turn purple or blue, and in severe cases, surgical removal of tissue or amputation may be necessary.

Dr. Amdur states that another condition that can be triggered by cold weather is Raynaud's syndrome, which affects blood flow. Raynaud's disease causes the narrowing of blood vessels, particularly in extremities like fingers and toes, causing them to turn white or blue. This condition is triggered by cold in individuals predisposed to this syndrome.

Researchers also note that there are other illnesses that can be caused by cold weather, including:

• "trench foot";
• frostbite;
• cold urticaria.

Cold weather can also exacerbate other conditions such as eczema and respiratory diseases like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, heart attacks are more common in winter.

Important! This article is based on the latest scientific and medical research and does not contradict it. The text is for informational purposes only and does not contain medical advice. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.