A Decrease in Temperature and Humidity Precedes Human Rhinovirus Infections in a Cold Climate

Both temperature and humidity may independently or jointly contribute to the risk of human rhinovirus (HRV) infections, either through altered survival and spread of viruses in the environment or due to changes in host susceptibility. This study examined the relationship between short-term variation...

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Main Authors: Tiina M. Ikäheimo, Kari Jaakkola, Jari Jokelainen, Annika Saukkoriipi, Merja Roivainen, Raija Juvonen, Olli Vainio, Jouni J.K. Jaakkola
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2016-09-01
Series:Viruses
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/8/9/244
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author Tiina M. Ikäheimo
Kari Jaakkola
Jari Jokelainen
Annika Saukkoriipi
Merja Roivainen
Raija Juvonen
Olli Vainio
Jouni J.K. Jaakkola
author_facet Tiina M. Ikäheimo
Kari Jaakkola
Jari Jokelainen
Annika Saukkoriipi
Merja Roivainen
Raija Juvonen
Olli Vainio
Jouni J.K. Jaakkola
author_sort Tiina M. Ikäheimo
collection DOAJ
description Both temperature and humidity may independently or jointly contribute to the risk of human rhinovirus (HRV) infections, either through altered survival and spread of viruses in the environment or due to changes in host susceptibility. This study examined the relationship between short-term variations in temperature and humidity and the risk of HRV infections in a subarctic climate. We conducted a case-crossover study among conscripts (n = 892) seeking medical attention due to respiratory symptoms during their military training and identified 147 HRV cases by real-time PCR. An average temperature, a decline in daily ambient temperature and absolute humidity (AH) during the three preceding days of the onset (hazard period) and two reference periods (a week prior and after the onset) were obtained. The average daily temperature preceding HRV infections was −9.9 ± 4.9 °C and the average AH was 2.2 ± 0.9 g/m3. An average (odds ratios (OR) 1.07 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00–1.15)) and maximal (OR 1.08 (1.01–1.17)) change in temperature increased the risk of HRV infections by 8% per 1 °C decrease. An average (OR 1.20 (CI 1.03–1.40)) and maximal decrease (OR 1.13 (CI 0.96–1.34)) in AH increased the risk of HRV infection by 13% and 20% per 0.5 g/m3 decrease. A higher average temperature during the three preceding days was positively associated with HRV infections (OR 1.07 (CI 1.00–1.15)). A decrease rather than low temperature and humidity per se during the preceding few days increases the risk of HRV infections in a cold climate. The information is applicable to populations residing in cold climates for appropriate personal protection and prevention of adverse health effects.
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spelling doaj.art-d34d8a5996a041cb973dc615619ec7842022-12-22T01:18:55ZengMDPI AGViruses1999-49152016-09-018924410.3390/v8090244v8090244A Decrease in Temperature and Humidity Precedes Human Rhinovirus Infections in a Cold ClimateTiina M. Ikäheimo0Kari Jaakkola1Jari Jokelainen2Annika Saukkoriipi3Merja Roivainen4Raija Juvonen5Olli Vainio6Jouni J.K. Jaakkola7Center for Environmental and Respiratory Health Research, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, FI-90014 Oulu, FinlandCenter for Environmental and Respiratory Health Research, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, FI-90014 Oulu, FinlandFaculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, FI-90014 Oulu, FinlandImpact Assessment Unit, Department of Health Protection, National Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 310, FI-90101 Oulu, FinlandViral Infections Unit, Department of Infectious Disease, National Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30, FI-00271 Helsinki, FinlandDepartment of Otorhinolaryngology Kainuu Central Hospital, Sotkamontie 13, FI-87140 Kajaani, FinlandMedical Research Center, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, FI-90014 Oulu, FinlandCenter for Environmental and Respiratory Health Research, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, FI-90014 Oulu, FinlandBoth temperature and humidity may independently or jointly contribute to the risk of human rhinovirus (HRV) infections, either through altered survival and spread of viruses in the environment or due to changes in host susceptibility. This study examined the relationship between short-term variations in temperature and humidity and the risk of HRV infections in a subarctic climate. We conducted a case-crossover study among conscripts (n = 892) seeking medical attention due to respiratory symptoms during their military training and identified 147 HRV cases by real-time PCR. An average temperature, a decline in daily ambient temperature and absolute humidity (AH) during the three preceding days of the onset (hazard period) and two reference periods (a week prior and after the onset) were obtained. The average daily temperature preceding HRV infections was −9.9 ± 4.9 °C and the average AH was 2.2 ± 0.9 g/m3. An average (odds ratios (OR) 1.07 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00–1.15)) and maximal (OR 1.08 (1.01–1.17)) change in temperature increased the risk of HRV infections by 8% per 1 °C decrease. An average (OR 1.20 (CI 1.03–1.40)) and maximal decrease (OR 1.13 (CI 0.96–1.34)) in AH increased the risk of HRV infection by 13% and 20% per 0.5 g/m3 decrease. A higher average temperature during the three preceding days was positively associated with HRV infections (OR 1.07 (CI 1.00–1.15)). A decrease rather than low temperature and humidity per se during the preceding few days increases the risk of HRV infections in a cold climate. The information is applicable to populations residing in cold climates for appropriate personal protection and prevention of adverse health effects.http://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/8/9/244human rhinoviruslow temperatureabsolute humidity
spellingShingle Tiina M. Ikäheimo
Kari Jaakkola
Jari Jokelainen
Annika Saukkoriipi
Merja Roivainen
Raija Juvonen
Olli Vainio
Jouni J.K. Jaakkola
A Decrease in Temperature and Humidity Precedes Human Rhinovirus Infections in a Cold Climate
Viruses
human rhinovirus
low temperature
absolute humidity
title A Decrease in Temperature and Humidity Precedes Human Rhinovirus Infections in a Cold Climate
title_full A Decrease in Temperature and Humidity Precedes Human Rhinovirus Infections in a Cold Climate
title_fullStr A Decrease in Temperature and Humidity Precedes Human Rhinovirus Infections in a Cold Climate
title_full_unstemmed A Decrease in Temperature and Humidity Precedes Human Rhinovirus Infections in a Cold Climate
title_short A Decrease in Temperature and Humidity Precedes Human Rhinovirus Infections in a Cold Climate
title_sort decrease in temperature and humidity precedes human rhinovirus infections in a cold climate
topic human rhinovirus
low temperature
absolute humidity
url http://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/8/9/244
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