Louisville Nurse Practitioner Explains How Winter Weather Impacts Your Health

January 16, 2026

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Cold weather itself doesn’t directly make people sick, but winter conditions can weaken the body’s defenses, according to a Louisville nurse practitioner.

Morgan Lamaster, a nurse practitioner with U of L Health, said colder, drier air can affect the immune system. Low humidity during winter dries out nasal passages and sinuses — the body’s first line of defense — making it easier for germs to cause illness.

Another factor is reduced sunlight. Lamaster said people spend less time outdoors in winter, leading to lower vitamin D levels, which can weaken immune response. She encourages people to get outside when it’s sunny, even in cold temperatures, as long as they dress warmly.

Weather changes can also affect joint health. Drops in atmospheric pressure before storms or cold fronts may trigger joint inflammation, especially in people with arthritis or past injuries. Applying heat and consulting a doctor can help manage ongoing pain.

To stay healthy during winter, Lamaster recommends keeping up with flu and COVID-19 vaccines, and for older adults, the pneumonia vaccine.

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