Can I get cold from the air conditioner?

1. What causes a cold - viruses / bacteria or hypothermia? (Is there a non-infectious cold - caused only by hypothermia, without pathogens?)
All colds are caused by pathogens - viruses and bacteria, obtained from other people by airborne droplets or through dirty hands. There is no common cold.

2. Is it true that people in the West do not associate a cold with hypothermia?
Almost true. To the direct question "does being outdoors in wet clothes increase the likelihood of a cold?" All American counterparts of Komsomolskaya Pravda answer amicably: “No, freezing does not increase your chances of getting a cold or flu. The myth that hypothermia leads to colds has been refuted by many studies. "

And here's an English memo on room temperature:

“The lower threshold of English comfort is 18 degrees, and this temperature is kept in five million homes. Immediately, a newborn baby is presented, who was brought from the hospital to a room with a temperature of 18 degrees. In Russia this is unimaginable, in Europe it is the norm, children always wear less clothes than adults - to keep them healthy. "

As you can see, the Americans are completely inadequate (the first channel tells us the pure truth), but the British still admit that hypothermia can lead to respiratory diseases... We can move on to question number 3.

3. What role does hypothermia play in the occurrence of colds?
Version one: hypothermia leads to the fact that the blood tries to warm the most valuable (internal) organs, on nasal cavity it is not enough, the quantity and quality of mucus decreases ("the snot is frozen") - this leads to the multiplication of those in respiratory tract viruses.

Version two: hypothermia is stress for the body, and under stress, inflammatory reactions are inhibited (the immune system starts to work worse).

Version three: an increase in temperature (for example, with flu) is necessary for the body itself to fight infection - therefore, it is logical to assume that a decrease in temperature (including local temperature, for example, cooling a certain part of the neck) interferes with the body's fight against infection.

3a. Why do people get colds in summer? Can't they overcool at +25?
Once again: people catch colds due to infection with pathogens - viruses and bacteria. Hypothermia can help pathogens, but this is not a prerequisite - many viruses and bacteria can cope with our immunity on their own.

For mothers and grandmothers

4. Why does getting wet feet cause colds?
We are not warmed by the fibers of a sweater and woolen socks and not by the hair of a fur coat - it heats the air between the fibers and the hair (air is a very poor conductor of heat, "warms" means "does not let body heat outside"). If water penetrates into the place of air in clothes and shoes, then clothes / shoes lose all meaning: in a wet state, they give off heat very quickly, the body is supercooled.

5. Is it true that children cool faster than adults and therefore should be dressed a little warmer?
Yes, truth. A small warm-blooded organism loses heat much faster than a large one at the same temperature. In addition, in young children, the immune system is weaker than in adults, and less trained (managed to meet with fewer pathogens) - therefore, children are more likely to fall ill from hypothermia.

6. Why can a person "blow"?
It is estimated that a gentle breeze (which is not felt, but visible by the deflection of smoke) cools the surface it blows on by 5 degrees. Light breeze felt by the face - 6 degrees. The fresh wind felt by the hand is 9 degrees. And this means a dry surface - and if water evaporates from the surface (for example, sweat evaporates from the human skin), then the cooling will be even stronger. Therefore, if, for example, a person on a train was blown into the neck for an hour and a half (and at that time there was already a sluggish infection in the neck), then a person may well get sick from local hypothermia (get nerve inflammation, otitis media, myositis).

For grandfathers

7. Why does it “blow” some people, but not others? (Why can some peoplewipe off with snow while others catch colds from a simple fan?)
Firstly, this is due to the degree of hardening of a person, i.e. with how well his body is trained to adapt to temperature changes. Secondly, the presence or absence of indolent infections in a person plays a role. Thirdly, it is important how strong the immune system is at the moment.

7a. What is "hardening degree"? How to increase it?
Hardening is training the body's ability to tolerate hypothermia (the brain learns to correctly and deftly control thermoregulation processes). The very first and simplest elements of hardening are walking barefoot, walking in the fresh air (in any weather) and open windows. Fooortoochiiiiii.

8. What is terrible about a draft?
A draft is the wind that blows inside a room. As we learned in the sixth question, the wind cools the body, especially the sweaty one - for an unseen person, this can lead to blowing and colds.

8a. Is it true that only Russia is fighting drafts, and the rest of the world does not even know such a word?
Almost true. The article "Draft" on Wikipedia is available only in Russian, German, Czech and Macedonian; in other countries, the tale of the "draft - the witch's wind" is not popular. It is quite possible that the exaggerated danger of drafts is a Russian folk tale, and other peoples are simply tempered (see question number 2).

I draw your attention: the article "Hardening" in Wikipedia is only in Russian and German. That is, for example, Americans know nothing about drafts or hardening. Can anyone explain this?

Summer is in full swing. There are many different vegetables and fruits on the shelves of the shops. During this time, most of us feel a surge of vivacity and extra energy. And there is a cold, which, as always, comes unexpectedly. It is very stuffy and hot in the office and at home, and we often turn on the fan. It saves from the heat, but also contributes to colds. We arrive sweaty and sit down next to the refreshing breeze. There is a sharp cooling of the body under the influence of stress. Already in the evening or in the morning we feel that one side of the neck hurts, and a runny nose appeared. Temperature changes and drafts reduce our immunity. The body can no longer fully resist viruses and bacteria.

Air conditioning has become an integral part of the modern metropolis. People install them everywhere - in apartments, shopping centers, supermarkets, at work and even at public transport stops. This allows us to be in a comfortable environment, but you need to use this tool with caution, otherwise you can get seriously ill. The main danger is a cold due to hypothermia. This is especially true for people with weakened immunity. There are several reasons for this:

The first is the difference in temperatures outside and in a cooled room.

The second reason is the wrong location of the device, when cold air is directed at a person, therefore motorists often catch colds in hot weather.

Legionellosis may develop as a result of the air conditioner. This disease is caused by bacteria that pollute it inside. In the process of air circulation, they spread throughout the room and enter the human body. Cold symptoms from an air conditioner occur two to three days after hypothermia. Appears headache, aches, weakness, constant fatigue, runny nose, fever, perspiration and sore throat. If you do not start timely treatment, then serious complications are possible and chronic diseases... The best way to avoid getting sick is prevention. The difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures should be no more than eight degrees. Optimal is twenty-three degrees.

Follow certain rules if you don't want to catch a cold.

The air flow should be distributed evenly.
Do not open windows when the air conditioner is on.
Monitor the device status and change filters in a timely manner.
In a car in hot weather, an air conditioner operating at full power may cause the glass to crack due to temperature differences.

Is it possible to catch a cold from a draft

Draft is the blowing of air at a specific point. Its danger lies in the local effect on the body. In the cold season, when we are freezing, we shiver and chill. This is how the defenses of our body react. As a result of this process, the release of heat increases and its return decreases as a result of vasoconstriction. Slight freezing is not dangerous for humans. If we are warm and cool air is blowing, then the defenses do not react to this, and we begin to freeze. As a result, there are signs of a cold.

When it's hot outside, we want to cool down by any means. We buy soft drinks, ice cream. Often this leads to inflammation of the throat mucosa and colds. Many swim in local waters where the water is too cold. This also leads to hypothermia and a weakening of the body's defenses. Check the temperature of the water before swimming. To do this, dip your hand into the water. If after two minutes a slight tingling passes, then feel free to enter the reservoir.

Is it possible to feed a child if mom has a cold

Breastfeeding mothers are also prone to colds like everyone else. If you are sick, you should not wean your baby. At least three days have passed since the virus entered the body and the first signs of a cold. During this time, the baby received protective antibodies during feeding. Continue to feed your baby naturally and do not boil milk, as it gets all the necessary nutrients and trace elements with it. To lower the temperature, you can take Paracetamol. Drink more fluids.

Is it possible to go to the bath

The Russian bath is considered a panacea for many ailments, including colds. This stimulates blood circulation and improves the tone of the body. Doctors believe that people who regularly go to the bathhouse are much less likely to get colds during the period of massive epidemics. While in the bath, 20% more leukocytes are released in the blood of a person, and this helps in the fight against viruses. If you have a serious cold, fever or blood pressure, then you should refuse to go to the bathhouse.

You can donate blood to a cold

You can donate blood for a cold, but the results general analysis blood and biochemistry will be distorted. During the disease, the content of leukocytes rises, and other indicators change. Also affects the result using drugs during treatment and elevated temperature body. You can take tests for hormones. This will not affect the result.

Air conditioners are multifunctional systems that can operate in several modes:

cooling;
heating;
ventilation mode.

Some models of cooling equipment are additionally equipped with filters that purify air during air intake, destroying pathogens. In turn, a conventional fan is technically a very simple device that simply creates air flows without additional cooling, cleaning or heating.

Can you catch a cold from a fan? According to statistics, the risk of developing colds from drafts created by a fan is several times less than from air conditioners. This is due to several reasons:

the fan does not contribute to strong air cooling;
blade units do not create large temperature differences between the street and the room;
fans do not dry out the nasal mucosa.

Reasons for the development of ARVI from an air conditioner

Air conditioning can significantly improve your well-being in the heat. Maintaining a normal room temperature helps to increase mental and physical activity, which is why split systems are installed in most offices. However, their installation is fraught with the development of ARVI, as experts remind.

Why do people get cold from the air conditioner?

Hypothermia. A rapid drop in air temperature contributes to hypothermia and a decrease in the reactivity of the immune system;
Drying of the mucous membranes of the nose and eyes. Air conditioning leads to a decrease in its humidity level, which negatively affects the condition of the nasopharyngeal mucosa and conjunctiva. Their drying out creates optimal conditions for the development of pathogenic flora;
A sharp temperature drop. Often the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures exceeds 10-15 degrees. This negatively affects the body's immune defenses and contributes to hypothermia.

How not to get cold under the air conditioner? First of all, don't abuse it. When the air is cooled to 22 degrees, the device must be turned off for at least 30-40 minutes.

Consequences of hypothermia

Hypothermia is fraught with the development of not only the classic cold, but also complications, which include bronchitis, tonsillitis, pneumonia, etc. Signs of illness from conditioned and cold air will include:

acute rhinitis - inflammation of the nasal mucosa;
tonsillitis - inflammation that occurs in the tonsils;
laryngitis - the occurrence of foci of inflammation in the larynx, accompanied by hoarseness and hoarseness of the voice;
pharyngitis - inflammation of the larynx mucosa.

Inflammatory processes in the mucous membranes in 80% of cases are provoked by viruses. However, with ineffective treatment, a bacterial infection can also join the disease.

To avoid severe hypothermia and drying out of the nasal mucosa, certain rules for the operation of cooling devices must be observed.

Recommendations for use

Doctors have identified basic air conditioning precautions that can help prevent SARS. How not to catch a cold from an air conditioner?

the temperature difference between the room and the street should not exceed 5-6 degrees;
the air temperature in the room at the maximum can be reduced to a level of 21-22 degrees;
during the operation of cooling devices, the filters must be cleaned regularly.

How not to get cold from the air conditioner in the office? As a rule, split systems are installed in offices where it is easier to do it from a technical point of view. That is why the cold air currents created by technology are often directed directly into the face or back of a person. To reduce your chances of getting a cold, consider the following:

the air flow leaving the split system should be directed to the ceiling, windows, walls, but not to the person;
to prevent drying out of the mucous membranes of the eyes and nose, you need to use a humidifier;
periodically ventilate the office to bring in fresh oxygen-enriched air.

The risk of colds is greatly increased by improper air conditioning in cars. How not to get cold from the air conditioner in the car? To prevent the development of the disease, during the operation of the cooling device, the following rules should be followed:

the temperature in the cabin should be reduced gradually, starting from a mark of 25-26 degrees;
the maximum temperature can be reduced to 21 degrees;
air currents should not be directed to your face, but to the windshield;
the windows must be closed during the operation of the cooling unit.

Treatment

If the child has caught a cold from the air conditioner, treatment should be started at the first signs of the disease. This will prevent the transition of ARVI to the acute phase. What drugs can help relieve cold symptoms?

Coldrex Junior is a symptomatic drug that eliminates hyperthermia, sore throat and runny nose;
"Arbidol" - antiviral agentfighting the causative agent of the common cold. Possesses immunomodulatory and decongestant properties;
"Lazolvan" - a syrup that helps to remove phlegm from the bronchi;
"Tizin" - nasal drops that quickly remove congestion and facilitate nasal breathing.

How to treat an adult if he caught a cold from the air conditioner? It all depends on the manifestations, as with any colds... To eliminate symptoms in adults, experts recommend using the following medicines:

"Fervex" is a symptomatic medicine that relieves pain and discomfort in the nasopharynx and throat, and also helps to lower the temperature;
"Ibuprofen" - eliminates myalgia, headaches and high temperature... It is usually used in complex antiviral therapy;
"Antigrippin" is an antiviral agent related to interferon inducers. Promotes an increase in the reactivity of the body, which prevents the further development of pathogenic flora in the mucous membrane of the ENT organs;
"Bromhexin" is an antitussive agent that promotes the speedy evacuation of sputum from the bronchi.

If a person has caught a cold from an air conditioner, it is advisable to start treatment immediately. This will help prevent the development of pathogens in the ENT organs and speed up the healing process. To prevent re-infection in the future, you need to exclude the possibility of hypothermia. To do this, it is undesirable to direct air currents on yourself and reduce the temperature in the room to below 22 degrees.