Is Influenza Virus Really Transmitted More Readily in Winter?

A New York Times article titled Study Shows Why the Flu Likes Winter (published December 5, 2007) indicates there may be valid scientific reasons backing the common wisdom that infections are more likely to spread in the winter months. Properties of the influenza virus, which seems to be more stable in cold dry air, would explain the phenomenon. The nature of the virus makes it more probable that the influenza virus will spread during colder, dryer weather.

Research results, supporting the conclusion, were published in the October 19th issue of PLOS Pathogens. The paper was authored by Dr. Palese. The research involved guinea pigs and variation of air temperature and humidity to determine causal links to viral transmission.