FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – Just a few weeks ago, high temperatures were in the middle 80s. Then low temperatures dropped down to the middle 30s, which is a 50 degree spread. Tuesday and Wednesday we tied all-time record high temperatures with highs in the 70s, but the 50s will return before the weekend. These large temperature swings have lots of people blaming the weather for why they don’t feel well. Several people we spoke to complained of respiratory issues, headaches, runny noses, and sore throats.

Allen County Health Commissioner Dr. Deb McMahan says the weather is not to blame. She says, “It’s not the temperature that carries the viruses and bacteria. It’s actually other people that do.” She says very hot and very cold temperatures bring people inside together or in public places where they can all touch the same things. If someone has a virus, uses a pen to sign for a charge on their credit card, then you use the same pen within a few hours and touch your eye, you now have their virus.

To protect yourself, Dr. McMahan advises you to get vaccinated for everything you can, especially the flu. She also encourages you to wash your hands often throughout the day. The friction of your hands rubbing together plus the soap and water running over them are what gets rid of the bacteria. Hand sanitizer is not a replacement for washing your hands. She also reminds people to get 8 hours of sleep because deep REM sleep is the only time your body can recharge it’s immune system.