Letters From the Time Traveler: It's Not 1885: Stop Blaming Weather for Illness
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Chapter 1: The Persistent Myths of Illness
Dearest,
You might be astonished to discover that, even after a century, people continue to attribute their ailments to the weather.
Typically, these claims arise in the dead of winter when colds and flu are rampant. Yet, in the current era, it seems that sickness is a year-round issue. It's common for me to visit the grocery store or barbershop only to find everyone around me coughing. Prior to 2020, I don't recall such a constant presence of illness; it seemed to come in cycles, primarily during the colder months.
Recently, several neighbors reported suffering from the infamous "summer cold." They didn’t bother to test for Covid or other illnesses. One of my older neighbors, Cheryl, who was a nurse in her earlier years, asserted, "It must be due to the weather."
While I don't profess to be a medical expert, and neither does Cheryl, my two centuries of experience have taught me that the extreme summer heat of 95 degrees has little to do with her condition. According to insights from the Cleveland Clinic, here’s how it really operates:
Drier Air: "Winter brings colder, drier air, which can dry out mucus membranes, allowing viruses to enter the body more easily," explains Dr. Vyas. "Cracks in these membranes can provide a pathway for viruses."
Cold Temperatures: "Colder air can weaken our immune defenses, making us more vulnerable to infections," she adds.
Increased Exposure: Beyond just the cold air, there's also the issue of proximity to other sick individuals. During winter months, we tend to stay indoors for extended periods, surrounded by more people, which provides viruses ample opportunities to spread. "Germs thrive indoors where ventilation is poorer than outside," Dr. Vyas notes, "so being in close quarters increases the likelihood of contagion."
It’s viruses and germs that are to blame, not the changing weather. The notion that someone might think I’m naive for disagreeing is puzzling; I would argue it’s the opposite.
More Myths to Dispel
WIVES' TALE: Dressing lightly in cold weather or having wet hair will lead to illness.
This belief likely originated from the observation that more people fall ill during the winter months. However, it’s not the weather or wet hair that causes colds; rather, it’s the fact that people congregate indoors to escape the cold. Respiratory illnesses spread more easily in indoor environments where dry air diminishes resistance to infection. Viruses like influenza also persist longer in low humidity, especially with indoor heating. While it’s wise to wear a coat and hat outdoors to maintain body temperature and protect the immune system, the weather itself isn’t the culprit.
WIVES' TALE: "Feed a fever, starve a cold."
It’s unclear how this saying originated, but it’s important to note that no illness benefits from not eating. Regardless of whether you have a fever or a cold, it’s vital to eat when hungry and maintain a healthy diet. Staying hydrated is crucial, especially with a fever, as sweating can lead to fluid loss. Water is ideal, but sports drinks can also help replenish electrolytes.
WIVES' TALE: Chicken soup can cure a cold.
While enjoying chicken soup when feeling under the weather is certainly comforting, it won’t cure your illness. Healthy variations of chicken soup do contain beneficial nutrients like protein, vitamin C, and vitamin K, which support overall health and may bolster your immune system. The steam from a hot bowl can temporarily alleviate nasal congestion, and the broth aids hydration—provided it isn’t overly salty.
WIVES' TALE: Taking vitamin C will eliminate a cold.
Similar to chicken soup, taking the recommended daily amount of vitamin C during a cold won’t hasten recovery. However, regular consumption can help prevent illness since vitamin C boosts immunity. Fresh fruits and vegetables are excellent sources, so there’s no need to overindulge; excess vitamin C is simply expelled by the body.
WIVES' TALE: Use a cold bath to treat a fever.
When experiencing a fever, the last thing you need is to cool your body down. Fever serves as a defense mechanism against infection, and chills indicate a need for warmth. Wrapping yourself in a warm blanket is far more beneficial. Cold baths should only be considered under a doctor’s guidance, typically to prevent febrile seizures in children. Since fever aids in combating infection, it’s unnecessary to lower it unless it reaches dangerously high levels, in which case acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used.
I have gently informed them that blaming the weather is a misguided belief that few take seriously. It's not 1885 anymore; we possess the knowledge of science and technology. The understanding of viruses dates back to the 1890s, yet this myth endures over a century later.
The germ theory, which began taking shape in the 1850s through the work of Louis Pasteur and later Robert Koch, eventually replaced the miasma theory. By the late 19th century, it was becoming clear that bacteria and viruses—not weather—were the true causes of illness.
In our present society, where so much information is readily available, superstition still prevails. In some ways, we’ve regressed to a state reminiscent of the Dark Ages, and I find myself weary of ignorance.
Wishing you and the children good health and much love,
Thomas