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Physiologic Model for Seasonal Patterns in Flu Transmission
Author(s) -
Ference Ryan S.,
Leonard James A.,
Stupak Howard D.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1002/lary.27910
Subject(s) - medicine , incidence (geometry) , temperate climate , relative humidity , immune dysfunction , airway , transmission (telecommunications) , mucociliary clearance , respiratory system , immunology , immune system , meteorology , anesthesia , ecology , biology , lung , physics , electrical engineering , optics , engineering
Seasonal patterns in flu transmission have observational validity in temperate climates. However, there is no consensus mechanism explaining the increased incidence of flu during the winter. The physiologic effects of cold weather and dry air on the upper respiratory system may contribute to immune dysfunction and increased susceptibly to flu‐causing pathogens. Low temperature limits the absolute humidity of air. Persistent exposure to dry air leads to airway desiccation and failure of the mucociliary system. The resultant physiologic and histopathologic changes that occur in the airway increase susceptibility to flu‐causing pathogens. Laryngoscope , 130:309–313, 2020