Storm to mix snow, frigid temperatures
Jon Fisher
Issue date: 1/31/08 Section: News
While cold weather does not make you sick, people are more susceptible to viruses and bacteria in colder conditions. According to a Newscientist.com Oct. 2007 report, the flu virus transmits better through air in colder weather. Cold can also dampen the immune system, cause mucus to get more viscous and make people more stressed.
"Cold weather makes people feel stressed, and stress messes with the immune system making it more likely to get sick," said Professor of Psychology Don Ernst.
In cold weather, students occasionally share warm clothing, such as scarves.
"I don't bother," sophomore Molly McDade said. "A lot of it depends on the politics of scarf borrowing. I don't want to appear needy."
But some people don't bother with warm clothes at all. Senior Erle Pettus wears shorts in almost all weather.
"A lot of it is just force of habit," Pettus said. "Being from Southern California, I'm used to wearing a lot of shorts."
Athletes remain unfettered by cold. Sports Information Director Brad Monastiere said the cold weather does not change inside track and weight room use much.
If it's abnormally cold, workouts do change, said senior Jen Gunderson, a cross country runner. On low-temperature days, the team runs inside, whereas on higher-temperature days, the team will run outside but bundle up more because it's harder to breathe in the cold air, she said.
"Cold weather makes people feel stressed, and stress messes with the immune system making it more likely to get sick," said Professor of Psychology Don Ernst.
In cold weather, students occasionally share warm clothing, such as scarves.
"I don't bother," sophomore Molly McDade said. "A lot of it depends on the politics of scarf borrowing. I don't want to appear needy."
But some people don't bother with warm clothes at all. Senior Erle Pettus wears shorts in almost all weather.
"A lot of it is just force of habit," Pettus said. "Being from Southern California, I'm used to wearing a lot of shorts."
Athletes remain unfettered by cold. Sports Information Director Brad Monastiere said the cold weather does not change inside track and weight room use much.
If it's abnormally cold, workouts do change, said senior Jen Gunderson, a cross country runner. On low-temperature days, the team runs inside, whereas on higher-temperature days, the team will run outside but bundle up more because it's harder to breathe in the cold air, she said.
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