5 Reasons You Tend to Get Sick in the Fall

For many people, fall means the leaves are changing, the kids are going back to school—and you’re on your fourth sick day this month.

“We typically get an uptick of patients in the fall, especially people with chronic lung diseases,” says Joshua Ezell, DO, an internal medicine practitioner with Quivira Internal Medicine and Overland Park Regional Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas.

But it’s not just people with chronic conditions who are at risk for getting sick in autumn. Anyone who spends more time indoors is at higher risk for catching various germs. While we’re still learning about COVID-19 patterns, it is thought to be seasonal. And through hard-won experience, we know that a number of other ailments definitely are.

Here’s what strikes more often as the seasons change—and what you can do about it.

Why you’re more likely to get sick in the fall 

There are two main reasons more people find themselves down for the count come fall, says Dr. Ezell. First, many of these bacteria and viruses are contagious and easily passed from person to person, a lesson many people have learned during the coronavirus pandemic.

“When the weather starts getting cold, people spend more time indoors,” he says. "Closer quarters means it’s easier for germs to spread."

Second, some of these bugs, like the viruses that cause the flu and the common cold, thrive in lower temperatures.

“As the weather cools off, you have better conditions for bacteria and viruses to grow and replicate,” Ezell adds.  

5 autumn ailments 

As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, certain illnesses rear their heads more frequently. In addition to COVID-19, it’s a good idea to be on the lookout for the following: 

Influenza: One of the most common—and most dangerous—is influenza, also known as the flu. The flu is a virus that put 500,000 Americans in the hospital during the 2016-2017 season, 710,000 during the 2017-2018 season, and 380,000 during 2018-2019. Although flu season peaks in the winter, it begins to ramp up in October.

The flu is commonly spread when you touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with hands that have the virus on them. It can also spread through the air as sick people breathe. People can spread the flu a day before symptoms develop, and they’re most contagious in the first 3 to 4 days after they get sick. They can continue to transmit up to 7 days after getting sick.

“The best way to prevent the flu is to vaccinate,” says Ezell. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you get your flu shot before Halloween. That will give your body enough time to develop protection against the virus before flu season really kicks in. But it’s never too late in the season to get a flu shot because the flu can stretch all the way into May. If you miss the optimal window, don’t put it off any longer. Nearly everyone aged 6 months and older is eligible.

The common cold: Though not as dangerous as the flu, the common cold can still put you out of commission for a few days. Cold season starts in September and lasts through the winter. Most often caused by rhinoviruses (but also a few types of coronavirus, too), there’s no vaccine for the common cold. But you can reduce your risk of either picking it up or spreading it to others by being diligent about washing your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water. Protect yourself further by staying away from people who are sick. Like coronavirus and flu, colds spread through the air.

Viral meningitis: This infection of the brain and spinal cord’s protective covering is most commonly reported in late summer and early fall. Headache, stiff neck, fever, fatigue, and sensitivity to light are common symptoms. Avoid this germ by washing your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds and not touching your face with unwashed hands. Decontaminating high-touch surfaces, like fridge handles or doorknobs, may also help. And try to avoid mosquito bites, which can spread some forms of viral meningitis.

Bacterial meningitis: Also associated with large groups of people living together, like in college dorms, bacterial meningitis is a potentially deadly emergency. The symptoms are similar to viral meningitis, but more severe. Stiff neck and altered mental function are especially dangerous signs.

Vaccination is the most effective prevention, but handwashing for 20 seconds with soap and water is crucial. So is avoiding close contact with people who are sick. Coughing, sneezing, kissing, and sharing items like lipstick, utensils, or cigarettes can spread meningitis germs.

Norovirus: Norovirus causes diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, fever, and aches. It spreads through close contact and contaminated surfaces and is very contagious, famously striking cruise ships from time to time. “It’s another condition commonly associated with close quarters, like with kids going back to school,” says Ezell.

You can reduce your risk through meticulous handwashing and through surface decontamination, as well as by washing your fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating. Avoid foods prepared by someone who is sick.

Stay healthy this autumn

Staying healthy is pretty simple, says Ezell.

“Just remember the basics,” he says. “You should be cognizant of washing your hands and covering your mouth if you cough or sneeze.”

More basics: Stay away from people who are sick, and if you’re sick, stay home to avoid infecting others. Try to always cover your sneezes and coughs with a tissue or shirt sleeve—not the palm of your hand. Rest, keep your stress under control, drink plenty of fluids, and eat healthy foods if you come down with the flu or a cold.

And get your flu shots. Each year’s shot is designed to protect against the strains of viruses experts think will be most common, and it can reduce your risk of getting the flu by 40 to 60 percent. If you do get the flu after being vaccinated, it will likely be a milder case. You can get the flu shot at the same time as a coronavirus vaccine (or booster) if you haven’t gotten the latter yet.

Good hygiene and other healthy habits can not only lower your risk of these conditions, but also help those around you stay well, too.