NEW ORLEANS — What do you wear to stay warm and keep you from catching all the colds and flu going around during this artic blast?
We're not used to extreme cold here in southeast Louisiana so we found out the best plan if you have to get out in the sub-freezing weather.
Did your mom ever tell you if you don't put on your big coat you'll get sick? Well, we turned to two experts to sort out what your mom got right, and what was urban legend. They are infectious disease physician Dr. Brobson Lutz and LSU Health, public health expert Dr. Jim Diaz.
“The viruses that cause respiratory infections can get you, whether you're wrapped up or not. However, it is important to stay warm during these days, because if you're cold for an extended period of time, it can decrease your resistance,” said Dr. Lutz.
So it’s generally not a problem going to and from work or school without your coat on, but it is if you're unprotected for a longer time.
“If you drop that core temperature a little bit, the bacteria and viruses love it, and so they grow and they thrive. They are much more likely to sink in and take hold,” he explained.
Now, what to wear. Dr. Jim Diaz says studies show a synthetic underlayer, so you can sweat through it, followed by your outfit, then layered on top of that a puffy or inflated waterproof coat. Add a scarf around your neck, tucked into your coat, and a cap to pull over your ears. The scalp has a generous blood supply, so lots of heat is lost through the head. On the other end, feet and hands don't get a lot of blood. So, lined mittens are better than leather gloves, and use synthetic socks with wool ones over that for the feet. And Dr. Lutz says don't forget bedtime.
“I think sleeping warm is very important and really key to that is some bulky, cotton or wool, loose fitting socks,” Dr. Lutz added.
Dr. Diaz also says, if you have lower muscle mass, as the elderly do, your body can't shiver as well to keep your organs warm. And if you have a larger body, you lose more heat.
And Dr. Lutz adds this advice with all of us indoors more, it's not too late to get a flu, or COVID shot.
“If you have an underlying lung problem, or heart problem, or something, you end up in the hospital, and you end up sick and you end up dead.”
Keep in mind for tomorrow, that layering clothes traps body heat more effectively than a single heavy jacket or coat.