Introduction – Can A Human Catch A Cold Because Of An Air Conditioner?
Humans are susceptible to seasonal viruses like the common cold or flu. We’re also more prone to catching these illnesses in cooler environments.
Air conditioning isn’t the reason for this, but it does make it easier for you to catch a cold if you’re exposed to someone who has one.
Here’s why and how you can protect yourself from the sniffles when the air conditioner is on.
What is the reason for humans getting colds because of AC?
The assumption that air-conditioning causes colds are based on the observation that seasonally we see a peak in the incidence of colds in individuals who use air conditioners.
It is often assumed that the cooling of the air in the environment is responsible for a higher incidence of viral infections, including colds, among people who stay in air-conditioned environments. Actually, the reason is that air conditioners make it easier for you to catch a cold if you are exposed to someone who has one.
Cold and flu viruses are passed from person to person by direct contact with someone who has the virus, by touching their infected items like drinking glasses, tissues, door knobs, and computers, and by breathing in the droplets that are coughed out by the infected person.
How does an air conditioner help in catching a cold?
Colds are caused by a group of viruses that live in the lining of your nose and throat. You can get them by touching your nose or mouth after you’ve touched something that has the virus on it, like a doorknob or a computer key.
You can also get them by breathing in the droplets that someone with a cold sneezes out. And you can get them if you touch your nose or mouth after you’ve touched something with the viruses on it, and then touch your eyes or mouth.
Air conditioners have nothing to do with the viruses that cause colds. The air conditioner is only making it easier for you to catch a cold if you touch your nose or mouth after touching something with the viruses on it and then touch your eyes or mouth.
The viruses that cause colds are spread easily from person to person. That’s why colds are common.
Tips to avoid catching a cold because of an air conditioner
– Wash your hands often. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for about 10–15 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not as effective as washing your hands with soap and water. Keep your hands away from your face.
– Cover your nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing. Put your elbows on the table while eating and cover your nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing. Use a tissue to cover your mouth while coughing or sneezing, and then throw it in the trash.
– Avoid touching your eyes with your hands as much as possible. Wash your hands with soap and water before touching your eyes or any other part of your body.
– Wash your clothes often. If you are in close contact with someone who has a cold, change your clothes frequently to keep the virus from spreading to you. Wash your clothes in hot water to kill the viruses.
– Stay away from people who are sick. Limit your exposure to people who are sick as you are more likely to get a cold when you are exposed to a sick person.
Which conditions make you more susceptible to cold from AC?
The following conditions can make you more susceptible to catching a cold from AC:
– Being immunocompromised: if you suffer from a chronic health condition, your immune system may not be functioning properly, increasing your risk for infection.
– Using medications: some medications can suppress a person’s immune system, which increases the risk for virus infections.
– Being pregnant: women who are pregnant are more susceptible to infections.
– Being young: children under the age of 2 have undeveloped immune systems and are more susceptible to infections.
– Being elderly: as people age, they experience a decline in immune system function.
– Living in a closed environment: staying in an environment with little airflows, like a closed office building or car, increases the risk for infection.
– Having a condition with openings in the skin: growing a wound on your skin, like a cut that is not healing properly, or having a skin condition like eczema can increase the risk for infection.
– Having a condition that increases your mucus production: conditions like chronic cough, bronchitis, and asthma can increase the amount of mucus in the lungs and throat, which is an ideal breeding ground for viruses.
3 ways to prevent yourself from getting sick from AC and people
– Wash your hands frequently. Frequent hand washing is the best way to prevent the spread of infections. Make sure to wash your hands for at least 10–15 seconds.
– Stay indoors when possible. If you must go outside, try to avoid places where there are lots of people, like public transportation.
– Avoid touching your eyes with your hands. Wash your hands with soap and water before touching your eyes or any other part of your body.
– Wash your clothes often. If you are in close contact with someone who has a cold, change your clothes frequently to keep the virus from spreading to you. Wash your clothes in hot water to kill the viruses.
– Stay away from people who are sick. Limit your exposure to people who are sick as you are more likely to get a cold when you are exposed to a sick person.
Conclusion
The air conditioner is not the reason for the seasonal increase in colds, but it does make it easier to catch a cold if you are exposed to someone who has one.
To keep yourself safe, wash your hands frequently and stay away from people who are sick.
You can also protect yourself by washing your clothes in hot water frequently, and changing your clothes when someone who is sick is nearby.
