Myths and rumors make mother nature an easy scapegoat for a cough or runny nose. But doctors say there are a lot of x-factors when it comes to weather's effect on health ranging from temperature to pressure associated with storm systems.
"It's hard to nail down exactly what it is," says Dr. Tripp Jennings, Palmetto Health Richland. "But certainly we see everyday, ya know, an impact of the weather on what we see in the emergency department."
Jennings knows the weather's impact first hand. Given that we're in the middle of the transition from winter to spring he expects business to pick up.
"We haven't seen the flu really get to us yet, " says Jennings. "But it's coming and we know it's coming."
Jennings says germs spread easily this time of year because people are in closer proximity and are more likely to share items.
"We obviously can't affect the weather," says Jennings. "What we can do is the things that make common sense."
Jennings says there's no sure fire way to keep from getting sick, but you can do simple things to lower your chances. Dress for the weather, wash your hands and eat right.
"Take care of yourself and take care of those around you and you usually will get through these okay," says Jennings.
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