Getting sick from the flu can be miserable, but have you ever thought about how dirty air and weather conditions can make things worse? Many parts of China have been struggling with pollution, which raises lots of questions about how this along with the weather,  affects our health, particularly our breathing system.

        Lets break it down.  Air pollution is a major issue in many places, not just China.  It has been linked to all sorts of health problems, from coughs, sneezing and wheezing to something far worse. When you add in, changes in all types of weather, it can feel like a recipe for disaster. But do not get overwhelmed by the number of variables.  What scientists have tried to find out, in the midst of this intimidating puzzle, is how air pollution stands between us and the flu, or rather, how serious influenza-like illness (ILI) may be when the pollution is present.

        So, how might this pollution do anything?  Well first let's understand how different air pollutants work.   Such pollutants like nitrogen dioxide hang around and react with the tiny water droplets in frosty weather. Particulate matter in the air from things like coal from industry or traffic can cause inflammation and irritation within the body. When you have this cocktail of weather and pollution, flu symptoms can be made much worse.

        Air pollution can also stress the body.  This happens in many ways.  For example, it can lead to chronic inflammation. When the body is under stress, it is easier for infections to take hold. So, when the body is under pressure from air pollution, it might not fight off infections as well, leading to something like influenza. The extent to which this occurs is not clear.  So, doctors have a hypothesis that the possibility could potentially fall somewhere between causing infections by attacking the body, or otherwise triggering them indirectly.

        The flu is bad news from the start, so more bad news in terms of pollution can surely be game changing, keeping us on our toes and being diligent about protecting ourselves,  especially when we see clouds of smog.  But it may also explain why epidemics may be more severe than normal in winter, with all that pollution hiding under those chilly temperatures.

        So, even if the connection between weather, pollution, and ILI is not straightforward, it's clear that air quality plays a crucial role.  Doctors and scientists continue to study the intricate connections between our health and the environment.  This way, we can protect ourselves and figure out if we are really breathing in more than just smelly air.  Keep this in mind the next time you need to wrap up and prepare for a long winter.

How the Weather and Smog Work Together

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