Table of contents:
- Myths about drizzle and rain
- Then why do so many people get sick in the rainy season?
- Which one is more prone to make: rain or drizzle?
- What to do in the rainy season
As a child, you may have been told by your parents that drizzling makes you sick. Many people believe that walking in a light drizzle or light rain is even more dangerous than a wet rain. If you are among those who believe in this theory, maybe lately you are often having doubts. Because when entering the rainy season, almost every day you have to brave the rain or drizzle. So, before you decide to rain, consider the following information to straighten your understanding of rain, drizzle, and disease.
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Myths about drizzle and rain
The theory that being out in the open when a drizzle makes you sick has been circulating for a long time, not only in Indonesia. Parents seem to believe that compared to heavy rain, drizzle is more prone to causing flu or colds. While this myth is not completely wrong, there are common misconceptions that make this theory less plausible.
Drizzle, rain, scorching heat, or storms cannot cause illness. Disease can only be caused by bacteria or viruses that enter the human body. Weather or seasons alone will not make someone sick. It should also be noted that viruses and bacteria do not automatically reproduce more in the rainy season.
Then why do so many people get sick in the rainy season?
The link between the rainy season and health problems such as flu or colds is quite close. This is because in the rainy season the air temperature will drop so it is cooler. When it is cold, maybe what you will do is wear a warmer dress. However, your nose and mouth are still not properly protected. Your nose and mouth will become cooler. As a result, the blood vessels around your nose will narrow so you don't get a warm blood supply. Blood is needed because it contains white blood cells. These white blood cells are the first defense against viruses or bacteria that are inhaled into the nose or mouth.
With a weakened immune system, you are more susceptible to catching a cold. Also, when it's cold, you may be indoors more often. In fact, maybe in a closed room there are people who have caught the flu. As a result, it is also easier for people in the room to catch the flu or catch a cold.
ALSO READ: 6 Ways to Stay Healthy During Flu Season at the Office
Which one is more prone to make: rain or drizzle?
Both rain and drizzle make you sick. However, it's not the weather that's a determining factor, it's your habits after a rain or drizzle. Usually when you are in the rain, you tend to dry off more quickly or change to dry clothes afterward. You also usually cover yourself with an umbrella, raincoat, or warm clothing. So even if you are exposed to low temperatures, you immediately look for ways to warm up. As a result, the influenza virus is less likely to enter the nose or mouth and reproduce.
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Meanwhile, if you are outside on a light rainy day, you may not really notice that your body temperature is slowly dropping. This is because many people usually don't bother taking out umbrellas, raincoats, or warm clothes when it's drizzling. You're also more likely to spend more time outside even when it's drizzling than when it's raining heavily.
As a result, without realizing it, your clothes and head are damp and cold, not soaking wet. Because you don't get soaking wet, you may be reluctant to change your clothes or dry yourself out. Therefore, your body temperature will drop for a long time and your immune system weakens. This is a great opportunity for viruses and bacteria to immediately nest in the body without a fight. This is why being exposed to a drizzle makes you sick.
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What to do in the rainy season
In order to avoid disease in this rainy season, the biggest problem is not it is better if it is drizzling or rainy. Drizzle and rain are both risky if you don't dry and warm up right away. So, take the following steps if you don't want to get sick after the rain.
- Wear a mask to cover your nose and mouth, even if you are indoors
- Always carry an umbrella, raincoat, or warm clothes when outdoors
- Immediately dry yourself after a drizzle or rain, for example by changing clothes or drying your hair with a towel
- Immediately warm yourself after a drizzle or rain, for example by wearing thick clothes or drinking warm water
- Eating nutritious foods to increase endurance
