Specialists are concerned about a potential increase in influenza and coronavirus cases this coming winter, and their worries aren't at all surprising. While viruses can certainly circulate at any time of the year, an assortment of respiratory infections — including influenzas, coronaviruses and common colds — are always more active in the wintertime.
While the seasonal surge in these viruses is widely accepted and acknowledged, scientists still struggle to understand why, the winter season stimulates their spread. Though there are several theories, they still aren't sure which explanation — or combination of explanations — is closest to the truth.
Some of their theories stress that the wintry conditions can cause people to behave in ways that increase infections, whereas others state that the winter weather weakens people's natural protections or creates the ideal conditions for the viruses to circulate and spread. Here's what you need to know about a few of the top theories.
