The connection between the weather and viruses, when we are most at risk of the flu

A study published in the journal Clinical Virology has revealed the link between the weather and the distribution of viruses that cause influenza.

The data shows that the flu mainly breaks out after the first frost of winter. According to experts, the first frost of winter, which is accompanied by low humidity levels and cold temperatures, promotes the greatest spread of influenza.

They say that once the flu epidemic starts, it doesn't stop even if the temperatures rise. A person infected with the flu can easily infect many other people.

The flu is also spread through sneezing. When a person sneezes, they release particles into the air that contain viruses that spread more easily in cold, dry weather.

However, experts say that rhinoviruses, one of the causes of the common cold, are not only affected by the weather or the cold season.

If doctors are able to predict the annual epidemics of influenza and other viruses, they can inform the public so that people can be safer.

In the Balkan region, the H1N1 virus has caused the death of 72 people and hundreds more have been affected.

The most alarming situation appears in Romania, where the virus has so far claimed the lives of 54 people, but victims have also been registered in Bosnia, Greece and Montenegro.

In Albania, doctors have not yet confirmed patients affected by swine flu, but the Institute of Public Health has affirmed that the H1N1 virus is also circulating in Albania, so more caution is called for.

Cold weather is not the only thing that drives the flu epidemic. Experts say that viruses that stay long in the air and in the presence of many people cause epidemics.