December 12 : A weather illness myth  

When it comes to taking the blame for causing colds or the flu, experts say weather simply gets a bad rap.

Cold weather does not in fact cause a person to get sick. That's because a cold or the flu are spread either by directly touching respiratory secretions on another person, such as in handshaking for example, or through indirect contact with secretions in the environment, such as being coughed or sneezed on.

Colds and the flu are especially common in the winter not because of the cold itself, say experts with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in Maryland, but because people spend more time indoors where viruses have a greater opportunity to spread from one person to another.

While the cold weather cannot cause one to get a cold or the flu, the dry air that accompanies winter may have an impact. Dry conditions can increase the chance of infection because viruses can thrive when humidity levels are low, according to NIAID. Furthermore, since nasal passages are drier, they may be more susceptible to infection.

Since germs are transmitted through direct contact, hand washing is key to preventing both colds and the flu. Regularly cleaning environmental surfaces with disinfectants can also make a difference, experts say. You can further increase your defence against the flu by getting a flu vaccine shot.

For more information on the flu call 1-866-FLU-'N YOU (1-866-358-6968) or visit HealthyOntario.com.

Health and Long-Term Care Minister George Smitherman today congratulated the Ontarians appointed to the new National Health Council.

The Minister announced that Lyn McLeod will serve as Ontario's government representative to the National Health Council. Each province and territory was allowed to appoint one member.

Joining McLeod from Ontario on the council are Chief Roberta Jamieson and Dr. Robert McMurtry who have been selected as public and expert representatives. Health Ministers from each province and territory chose these members.

The Minister is also excited that Ontario's Michael Decter, who has 20 years of health sector experience, will serve as chair of the council.

”As outstanding citizens of our province and passionate defenders of public health care, I congratulate all the new members of the council," said Smitherman. "They have all pledged to work towards strengthening healthcare in Canada, and so has our government.”

Ontario is committed to close cooperation between the provincial and federal governments. The new council, a key part of the February 2003 First Ministers' Accord on Health Care Renewal, will monitor and make annual reports on the progress of the Accord. The council, which is made up of the chair, 12 expert and public representatives, and 13 government representatives, will publicly report through the federal/provincial/territorial Ministers of Health. For more information about the council members, visit the media section of our website .

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